Bispecific t cell activating antigen binding molecules

ABSTRACT

The present invention generally relates to novel bispecific antigen binding molecules for T cell activation and re-direction to specific target cells. In addition, the present invention relates to polynucleotides encoding such bispecific antigen binding molecules, and vectors and host cells comprising such polynucleotides. The invention further relates to methods for producing the bispecific antigen binding molecules of the invention, and to methods of using these bispecific antigen binding molecules in the treatment of disease.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/525,101, filed Nov. 12, 2021, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/306,068, filed May 3, 2021, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/127,291, filed Dec. 18, 2020, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/871,573, filed May 11, 2020, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/592,565, filed Oct. 3, 2019, which is a continuation Ser. No. 16/282,708, filed Feb. 22, 2019, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/034,012, filed Jul. 12, 2018, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/188,486, filed Feb. 24, 2014, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,155,815, issued Dec. 18, 2018, which claims priority to European Patent Application No. 13156686.1, filed Feb. 26, 2013. The contents of all of the above applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

SEQUENCE LISTING

The present application contains a Sequence Listing which has been submitted in ASCII format via EFS-Web and is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Said ASCII copy, created on May 23, 2022, is named 51177-0080013_Sequence_Listing_5_23_22_ST25 and is 150,925 bytes in size.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to bispecific antigen binding molecules for activating T cells. In addition, the present invention relates to polynucleotides encoding such bispecific antigen binding molecules, and vectors and host cells comprising such polynucleotides. The invention further relates to methods for producing the bispecific antigen binding molecules of the invention, and to methods of using these bispecific antigen binding molecules in the treatment of disease.

BACKGROUND

The selective destruction of an individual cell or a specific cell type is often desirable in a variety of clinical settings. For example, it is a primary goal of cancer therapy to specifically destroy tumor cells, while leaving healthy cells and tissues intact and undamaged.

An attractive way of achieving this is by inducing an immune response against the tumor, to make immune effector cells such as natural killer (NK) cells or cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) attack and destroy tumor cells. CTLs constitute the most potent effector cells of the immune system, however they cannot be activated by the effector mechanism mediated by the Fc domain of conventional therapeutic antibodies.

In this regard, bispecific antibodies designed to bind with one “arm” to a surface antigen on target cells, and with the second “arm” to an activating, invariant component of the T cell receptor (TCR) complex, have become of interest in recent years. The simultaneous binding of such an antibody to both of its targets will force a temporary interaction between target cell and T cell, causing activation of any cytotoxic T cell and subsequent lysis of the target cell. Hence, the immune response is re-directed to the target cells and is independent of peptide antigen presentation by the target cell or the specificity of the T cell as would be relevant for normal MHC-restricted activation of CTLs. In this context it is crucial that CTLs are only activated when a target cell is presenting the bispecific antibody to them, i.e. the immunological synapse is mimicked. Particularly desirable are bispecific antibodies that do not require lymphocyte preconditioning or co-stimulation in order to elicit efficient lysis of target cells.

Several bispecific antibody formats have been developed and their suitability for T cell mediated immunotherapy investigated. Out of these, the so-called BiTE (bispecific T cell engager) molecules have been very well characterized and already shown some promise in the clinic (reviewed in Nagorsen and Bauerle, Exp Cell Res 317, 1255-1260 (2011)). BiTEs are tandem scFv molecules wherein two scFv molecules are fused by a flexible linker. Further bispecific formats being evaluated for T cell engagement include diabodies (Holliger et al., Prot Eng 9, 299-305 (1996)) and derivatives thereof, such as tandem diabodies (Kipriyanov et al., J Mol Biol 293, 41-66 (1999)). A more recent development are the so-called DART (dual affinity retargeting) molecules, which are based on the diabody format but feature a C-terminal disulfide bridge for additional stabilization (Moore et al., Blood 117, 4542-51 (2011)). The so-called triomabs, which are whole hybrid mouse/rat IgG molecules and also currently being evaluated in clinical trials, represent a larger sized format (reviewed in Seimetz et al., Cancer Treat Rev 36, 458-467 (2010)). The variety of formats that are being developed shows the great potential attributed to T cell re-direction and activation in immunotherapy. The task of generating bispecific antibodies suitable therefor is, however, by no means trivial, but involves a number of challenges that have to be met related to efficacy, toxicity, applicability and produceability of the antibodies.

Small constructs such as, for example, BiTE molecules—while being able to efficiently crosslink effector and target cells—have a very short serum half life requiring them to be administered to patients by continuous infusion. IgG-like formats on the other hand—while having the great benefit of a long half life—suffer from toxicity associated with the native effector functions inherent to IgG molecules. Their immunogenic potential constitutes another unfavorable feature of IgG-like bispecific antibodies, especially non-human formats, for successful therapeutic development. Finally, a major challenge in the general development of bispecific antibodies has been the production of bispecific antibody constructs at a clinically sufficient quantity and purity, due to the mispairing of antibody heavy and light chains of different specificities upon co-expression, which decreases the yield of the correctly assembled construct and results in a number of non-functional side products from which the desired bispecific antibody may be difficult to separate.

Given the difficulties and disadvantages associated with currently available bispecific antibodies for T cell mediated immunotherapy, there remains a need for novel, improved formats of such molecules. The present invention provides bispecific antigen binding molecules designed for T cell activation and re-direction that combine good efficacy and produceability with low toxicity and favorable pharmacokinetic properties.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a first aspect the present invention provides a T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule comprising

(i) a first antigen binding moiety which is a Fab molecule capable of specific binding to CD3, comprising at least one heavy chain complementarity determining region (CDR) selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 4, SEQ ID NO: 5 and SEQ ID NO: 6 and at least one light chain CDR selected from the group of SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO: 9, SEQ ID NO: 10;

(ii) a second antigen binding moiety which is a Fab molecule capable of specific binding to a target cell antigen.

In one embodiment the first antigen binding moiety which is a Fab molecule capable of specific binding to CD3 comprises a heavy chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence that is at least about 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to an amino acid sequence selected from the group of: SEQ ID NO: 3, SEQ ID NO: 32 and SEQ ID NO: 33 and a variable light chain comprising an amino acid sequence that is at least about 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to an amino acid sequence selected from the group of: SEQ ID NO: 7 and SEQ ID NO: 31.

In one embodiment the first antigen binding moiety which is a Fab molecule capable of specific binding to CD3 comprises a heavy chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence that is at least about 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 3 and a light chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence that is at least about 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 7.

In a specific embodiment the second antigen binding moiety is capable of specific binding to Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA, CEACAM5) and comprises at least one heavy chain complementarity determining region (CDR) selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 24, SEQ ID NO: 25 and SEQ ID NO: 26 and at least one light chain CDR selected from the group of SEQ ID NO: 28, SEQ ID NO: 29 and SEQ ID NO: 30.

In another specific embodiment, the second antigen binding moiety is capable of specific binding to CEA and comprises a heavy chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence that is at least about 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 23 and a light chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence that is at least about 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 27.

In another specific embodiment, the second antigen binding moiety is capable of specific binding to MCSP (CSPG4) and comprises at least one heavy chain complementarity determining region (CDR) selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO: 15, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 35, SEQ ID NO: 37, SEQ ID NO: 38 and SEQ ID NO: 40 and at least one light chain CDR selected from the group of SEQ ID NO: 18, SEQ ID NO: 19, SEQ ID NO: 20, SEQ ID NO: 44, SEQ ID NO: 45, SEQ ID NO: 48, SEQ ID NO: 49 and SEQ ID NO: 50.

In another specific embodiment, the second antigen binding moiety is capable of specific binding to Melanoma-associated Chondroitin Sulfate Proteoglycan (MCSP, CSPG4) and comprises at least one heavy chain complementarity determining region (CDR) selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO: 15 and SEQ ID NO: 16 and at least one light chain CDR selected from the group of SEQ ID NO: 18, SEQ ID NO: 19 and SEQ ID NO: 20.

In another specific embodiment, the second antigen binding moiety is capable of specific binding to MCSP and comprises a heavy chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence that is at least about 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to an amino acid sequence selected from the group of SEQ ID NO: 13, SEQ ID NO: 34, SEQ ID NO: 36, SEQ ID NO: 39 and SEQ ID NO: 41 and a light chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence that is at least about 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to an amino acid sequence selected from the group of SEQ ID NO: 17, SEQ ID NO: 43, SEQ ID NO: 46, SEQ ID NO: 47 and SEQ ID NO: 51.

In another specific embodiment, the second antigen binding moiety is capable of specific binding to MCSP and comprises a heavy chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence that is at least about 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 13 and a light chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence that is at least about 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 17.

In a particular embodiment, the first antigen binding moiety is a crossover Fab molecule wherein either the variable or the constant regions of the Fab light chain and the Fab heavy chain are exchanged. In an even more particular embodiment, the first antigen binding moiety is a crossover Fab molecule wherein the constant regions of the Fab light chain and the Fab heavy chain are exchanged.

In one embodiment, the second antigen binding moiety is a conventional Fab molecule.

In a further particular embodiment, not more than one antigen binding moiety capable of specific binding to CD3 is present in the T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule (i.e. the T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule provides monovalent binding to CD3).

In a further embodiment said T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule further comprises a third antigen binding moiety which is a Fab molecule capable of specific binding to a target cell antigen. In one embodiment said third antigen binding molecule is a conventional Fab molecule. In one embodiment said third antigen binding molecule is identical to the second antigen binding moiety.

In a particular embodiment said T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule further comprises a third antigen binding moiety which is a Fab molecule capable of specific binding to CEA, and comprises at least one heavy chain complementarity determining region (CDR) selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 24, SEQ ID NO: 25 and SEQ ID NO: 26 and at least one light chain CDR selected from the group of SEQ ID NO: 28, SEQ ID NO: 29 and SEQ ID NO: 30.

In a particular embodiment said T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule further comprises a third antigen binding moiety which is a Fab molecule capable of specific binding to CEA, and comprises a heavy chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence that is at least about 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 23 and a light chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence that is at least about 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 27.

In one embodiment said T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule further comprises a third antigen binding moiety which is a Fab molecule capable of specific binding to MCSP, and comprises at least one heavy chain complementarity determining region (CDR) selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO: 15, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 35, SEQ ID NO: 37, SEQ ID NO: 38 and SEQ ID NO: 40 and at least one light chain CDR selected from the group of SEQ ID NO: 18, SEQ ID NO: 19, SEQ ID NO: 20, SEQ ID NO: 44, SEQ ID NO: 45, SEQ ID NO: 48, SEQ ID NO: 49 and SEQ ID NO: 50.

In a particular embodiment said T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule further comprises a third antigen binding moiety which is a Fab molecule capable of specific binding to MCSP, and comprises at least one heavy chain complementarity determining region (CDR) selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO: 15 and SEQ ID NO: 16 and at least one light chain CDR selected from the group of SEQ ID NO: 18, SEQ ID NO: 19 and SEQ ID NO: 20.

In one embodiment said T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule further comprises a third antigen binding moiety which is a Fab molecule capable of specific binding to MCSP, and comprises a heavy chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence that is at least about 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to an amino acid sequence selected from the group of SEQ ID NO: 13, SEQ ID NO: 34, SEQ ID NO: 36, SEQ ID NO: 39 and SEQ ID NO: 41 and a light chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence that is at least about 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence selected from the group of SEQ ID NO: 17, SEQ ID NO: 43, SEQ ID NO: 46, SEQ ID NO: 47 and SEQ ID NO: 51.

In a particular embodiment said T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule further comprises a third antigen binding moiety which is a Fab molecule capable of specific binding to MCSP, and comprises a heavy chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence that is at least about 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 13 and a light chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence that is at least about 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 17.

In some embodiments, the first and the second antigen binding moiety of the T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule are fused to each other, optionally via a peptide linker. In one such embodiment, the second antigen binding moiety is fused at the C-terminus of the Fab heavy chain to the N-terminus of the Fab heavy chain of the first antigen binding moiety. In another such embodiment, the first antigen binding moiety is fused at the C-terminus of the Fab heavy chain to the N-terminus of the Fab heavy chain of the second antigen binding moiety. In embodiments wherein either (i) the second antigen binding moiety is fused at the C-terminus of the Fab heavy chain to the N-terminus of the Fab heavy chain of the first antigen binding moiety or (ii) the first antigen binding moiety is fused at the C-terminus of the Fab heavy chain to the N-terminus of the Fab heavy chain of the second antigen binding moiety, additionally the Fab light chain of the first antigen binding moiety and the Fab light chain of the second antigen binding moiety may be fused to each other, optionally via a peptide linker.

In one embodiment said T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule further comprises (iii) an Fc domain composed of a first and a second subunit capable of stable association.

In one embodiment, the second antigen binding moiety of the T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule is fused at the C-terminus of the Fab heavy chain to the N-terminus of the first or the second subunit of the Fc domain. In another embodiment, the first antigen binding moiety is fused at the C-terminus of the Fab heavy chain to the N-terminus of the first or second subunit of the Fc domain. In one embodiment, the first and the second antigen binding moiety of the T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule are each fused at the C-terminus of the Fab heavy chain to the N-terminus of one of the subunits of the Fc domain.

In one embodiment, the third antigen binding moiety is fused at the C-terminus of the Fab heavy chain to the N-terminus of the first or second subunit of the Fc domain. In a particular embodiment, the second and the third antigen binding moiety of the T cell activating antigen binding molecule are each fused at the C-terminus of the Fab heavy chain to the N-terminus of one of the subunits of the Fc domain, and the first antigen binding moiety is fused at the C-terminus of the Fab heavy chain to the N-terminus of the Fab heavy chain of the second antigen binding moiety. In another particular embodiment, the first and the third antigen binding moiety of the T cell activating antigen binding molecule are each fused at the C-terminus of the Fab heavy chain to the N-terminus of one of the subunits of the Fc domain, and the second antigen binding moiety is fused at the C-terminus of the Fab heavy chain to the N-terminus of the Fab heavy chain of the first antigen binding moiety. The components of the T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule may be fused directly or through suitable peptide linkers. In one embodiment the first and the third antigen binding moiety and the Fc domain are part of an immunoglobulin molecule.

In a particular embodiment the immunoglobulin molecule is an IgG class immunoglobulin. In an even more particular embodiment the immunoglobulin is an IgG₁ subclass immunoglobulin. In another embodiment, the immunoglobulin is an IgG₄ subclass immunoglobulin.

In a particular embodiment, the Fc domain is an IgG Fc domain. In a specific embodiment, the Fc domain is an IgG₁ Fc domain. In another specific embodiment, the Fc domain is an IgG4 Fc domain. In an even more specific embodiment, the Fc domain is an IgG4 Fc domain comprising the amino acid substitution S228P (Kabat numbering). In particular embodiments the Fc domain is a human Fc domain.

In particular embodiments the Fc domain comprises a modification promoting the association of the first and the second Fc domain subunit. In a specific such embodiment, an amino acid residue in the CH3 domain of the first subunit of the Fc domain is replaced with an amino acid residue having a larger side chain volume, thereby generating a protuberance within the CH3 domain of the first subunit which is positionable in a cavity within the CH3 domain of the second subunit, and an amino acid residue in the CH3 domain of the second subunit of the Fc domain is replaced with an amino acid residue having a smaller side chain volume, thereby generating a cavity within the CH3 domain of the second subunit within which the protuberance within the CH3 domain of the first subunit is positionable.

In a particular embodiment the Fc domain exhibits reduced binding affinity to an Fc receptor and/or reduced effector function, as compared to a native IgG₁ Fc domain. In certain embodiments the Fc domain is engineered to have reduced binding affinity to an Fc receptor and/or reduced effector function, as compared to a non-engineered Fc domain. In one embodiment, the Fc domain comprises one or more amino acid substitution that reduces binding to an Fc receptor and/or effector function. In one embodiment, the one or more amino acid substitution in the Fc domain that reduces binding to an Fc receptor and/or effector function is at one or more position selected from the group of L234, L235, and P329 (Kabat numbering). In particular embodiments, each subunit of the Fc domain comprises three amino acid substitutions that reduce binding to an Fc receptor and/or effector function wherein said amino acid substitutions are L234A, L235A and P329G. In one such embodiment, the Fc domain is an IgG₁ Fc domain, particularly a human IgG₁ Fc domain. In other embodiments, each subunit of the Fc domain comprises two amino acid substitutions that reduce binding to an Fc receptor and/or effector function wherein said amino acid substitutions are L235E and P329G. In one such embodiment, the Fc domain is an IgG₄ Fc domain, particularly a human IgG₄ Fc domain. In one embodiment, the Fc domain of the T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule is an IgG₄ Fc domain and comprises the amino acid substitutions L235E and S228P (SPLE).

In one embodiment the Fc receptor is an Fcγ receptor. In one embodiment the Fc receptor is a human Fc receptor. In one embodiment, the Fc receptor is an activating Fc receptor. In a specific embodiment, the Fc receptor is human FcγRIIa, FcγRI, and/or FcγRIIIa. In one embodiment, the effector function is antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC).

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided an isolated polynucleotide encoding a T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule of the invention or a fragment thereof. The invention also encompasses polypeptides encoded by the polynucleotides of the invention. The invention further provides an expression vector comprising the isolated polynucleotide of the invention, and a host cell comprising the isolated polynucleotide or the expression vector of the invention. In some embodiments the host cell is a eukaryotic cell, particularly a mammalian cell.

In another aspect is provided a method of producing the T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule of the invention, comprising the steps of a) culturing the host cell of the invention under conditions suitable for the expression of the T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule and b) recovering the T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule. The invention also encompasses a T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule produced by the method of the invention.

The invention further provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising the T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule of the invention and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

Also encompassed by the invention are methods of using the T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule and pharmaceutical composition of the invention. In one aspect the invention provides a T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule or a pharmaceutical composition of the invention for use as a medicament. In one aspect is provided a T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule or a pharmaceutical composition according to the invention for use in the treatment of a disease in an individual in need thereof. In a specific embodiment the disease is cancer.

Also provided is the use of a T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule of the invention for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of a disease in an individual in need thereof; as well as a method of treating a disease in an individual, comprising administering to said individual a therapeutically effective amount of a composition comprising the T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule according to the invention in a pharmaceutically acceptable form. In a specific embodiment the disease is cancer. In any of the above embodiments the individual preferably is a mammal, particularly a human.

The invention also provides a method for inducing lysis of a target cell, particularly a tumor cell, comprising contacting a target cell with a T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule of the invention in the presence of a T cell, particularly a cytotoxic T cell.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 . Exemplary configurations of the T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecules (TCBs) of the invention. (A) Illustration of the “1+1 IgG Crossfab” molecule. (B) Illustration of the “2+1 IgG Crossfab” molecule. (C) Illustration of the “2+1 IgG Crossfab” molecule with alternative order of Crossfab and Fab components (“inverted”). (D) Illustration of the “1+1 CrossMab” molecule. (E) Illustration of the “2+1 IgG Crossfab, linked light chain” molecule. (F) Illustration of the “1+1 IgG Crossfab, linked light chain” molecule. (G) Illustration of the “2+1 IgG Crossfab, inverted, linked light chain” molecule. (H) Illustration of the “1+1 IgG Crossfab, inverted, linked light chain” molecule. Black dot: optional modification in the Fc domain promoting heterodimerization.

FIG. 2 . Alignment of affinity matured anti-MCSP clones compared to the non-matured parental clone (M4-3 ML2).

FIG. 3 . Schematic drawing of the MCSP TCB (2+1 Crossfab-IgG P329G LALA inverted) molecule.

FIG. 4 . CE-SDS analyses of MCSP TCB (2+1 Crossfab-IgG P329G LALA inverted, SEQ ID NOs: 12, 53, 54 and 55). Electropherogram shown as SDS-Page of MCSP TCB: A) non reduced, B) reduced.

FIG. 5 . Schematic drawing of CEA TCB (2+1 Crossfab-IgG P329G LALA inverted) molecule.

FIG. 6 . CE-SDS analyses of CEA TCB (2+1 Crossfab-IgG P329G LALA inverted, SEQ ID NOs: 22, 56, 57 and 58) molecule. Electropherogram shown as SDS-Page of CEA TCB: A) non reduced, B) reduced.

FIG. 7 . Binding of MCSP TCB (SEQ ID NOs: 12, 53, 54 and 55) to A375 cells (MCSP+) (A) and Jurkat (CD3⁺ cells) (B). “Untargeted TCB”: bispecific antibody engaging CD3 but no second antigen (SEQ ID NOs:59, 60, 61 and 62).

FIG. 8 . T-cell killing induced by MCSP TCB antibody (SEQ ID NOs: 12, 53, 54 and 55) of A375 (high MCSP) (A), MV-3 (medium MCSP) (B), HCT-116 (low MCSP) (C) and LS180 (MCSP negative) (D) target cells (E:T=10:1, effectors human PBMCs, incubation time 24 h). “Untargeted TCB”: bispecific antibody engaging CD3 but no second antigen (SEQ ID NOs:59, 60, 61 and 62).

FIG. 9 . Upregulation of CD25 and CD69 on human CD8⁺ (A, B) and CD4⁺ (C, D) T cells after T cell-mediated killing of MV3 melanoma cells (E:T=10:1, 24 h incubation) induced by MCSP TCB antibody (SEQ ID NOs: 12, 53, 54 and 55). “Untargeted TCB”: bispecific antibody engaging CD3 but no second antigen (SEQ ID NOs: 59, 60, 61 and 62).

FIG. 10 . Secretion of IL-2 (A), IFN-γ (B), TNFα (C), IL-4 (D), IL-10 (E) and Granzyme B (F) by human PBMCs after T cell mediated killing of MV3 melanoma cells (E:T=10:1, 24 h incubation) induced by MCSP TCB antibody (SEQ ID NOs: 12, 53, 54 and 55). “Untargeted TCB”: bispecific antibody engaging CD3 but no second antigen (SEQ ID NOs: 59, 60, 61 and 62).

FIG. 11 . Binding of CEA TCB (SEQ ID NOs: 22, 56, 57 and 58) to CEA-expressing A549 lung adenocarcinoma cells (A) and CD3-expressing immortalized human and cynomolgus T lymphocyte lines (Jurkat (B) and HSC-F (C), respectively).

FIG. 12 . T-cell killing induced by CEA TCB (SEQ ID NOs: 22, 56, 57 and 58) of HPAFII (high CEA) (A, E), BxPC-3 (medium CEA) (B, F), ASPC-1 (low CEA) (C, G) and HCT-116 cells (CEA negative) (D, H). E:T=10:1, effectors human PBMCs, incubation time 24 h (A-D) or 48 h (E-H). “Untargeted TCB”: bispecific antibody engaging CD3 but no second antigen (SEQ ID NOs: 59, 60, 61 and 62).

FIG. 13 . Human CD8⁺ and CD4⁺ T cell proliferation (A-D) and upregulation of CD25 on human CD8⁺ and CD4 T cells (E-H) 5 days after T cell-mediated killing of HPAFII (high CEA) (A, E), BxPC-3 (medium CEA) (B, F), ASPC-1 (low CEA) (C, G) and HCT-116 cells (CEA negative) (D, H) induced by CEA TCB (SEQ ID NOs: 22, 56, 57 and 58). “DP47 TCB”: bispecific antibody engaging CD3 but no second antigen (SEQ ID NOs: 59, 60, 61 and 62).

FIG. 14 . Secretion of IFN-γ (A), TNFα (B), Granzyme B (C), IL-2 (D), IL-6 (E) and IL-10 (F) after T cell mediated killing of MKN45 tumor cells (E:T=10:1, 48 h incubation) induced by CEA TCB (SEQ ID NOs: 22, 56, 57 and 58). “Untargeted TCB”: bispecific antibody engaging CD3 but no second antigen (SEQ ID NOs: 59, 60, 61 and 62).

FIG. 15 . T cell-mediated killing of CEA-expressing LS180 tumor target cells induced by CEA TCB (SEQ ID NOs: 22, 56, 57 and 58) in presence of increasing concentrations of shed CEA (sCEA), detected 24 h (A) or 48 h (B) after incubation with the CEA TCB and sCEA.

FIG. 16 . T cell-mediated killing of A549 (lung adenocarcinoma) cells overexpressing human CEA (A549-hCEA), assessed 21 h (A, B) and 40 h (C, D) after incubation with CEA TCB (SEQ ID NOs: 22, 56, 57 and 58) and human PBMCs (A, C) or cynomolgus PBMCs (B, D) as effector cells.

FIG. 17 . T cell-mediated killing of CEA-expressing human colorectal cancer cell lines induced by CEA TCB (SEQ ID NOs: 22, 56, 57 and 58) at 0.8 nM (A), 4 nM (B) and 20 nM (C). (D) correlation between CEA expression and % specific lysis at 20 nM of CEA TCB, (E) correlation between CEA expression and EC₅₀ of CEA TCB.

FIG. 18 . In vivo anti-tumor efficacy of CEA TCB (SEQ ID NOs: 22, 56, 57 and 58) in a LS174T-fluc2 human colon carcinoma co-grafted with human PBMC (E:T ratio 5:1). Results show average and SEM from 12 mice of tumor volume measured by caliper (A and C) and by bioluminescence (Total Flux, B and D) in the different study groups. (A, B) early treatment starting at day 1, (C, D) delayed treatment starting at day 7. The MCSP TCB (SEQ ID NOs: 12, 53, 54 and 55) was used as negative control.

FIG. 19 . In vivo anti-tumor efficacy of CEA TCB (SEQ ID NOs: 22, 56, 57 and 58) in a LS174T-fluc2 human colon carcinoma co-grafted with human PBMC (E:T ratio 1:1). Results show average and SEM from 10 mice of tumor volume measured by caliper (A) and by bioluminescence (Total Flux, B) in the different study groups. The MCSP TCB (SEQ ID NOs: 12, 53, 54 and 55) was used as negative control.

FIG. 20 . In vivo efficacy of murinized CEA TCB in a Panco2-huCEA orthotopic tumor model in immunocompetent huCD3ε/huCEA transgenic mice.

FIG. 21 . Thermal stability of CEA TCB. Dynamic Light Scattering measured in a temperature ramp from 25-75° C. at 0.05° C./min. Duplicate is shown in grey.

FIG. 22 . Thermal stability of MCSP TCB. Dynamic Light Scattering measured in a temperature ramp from 25-75° C. at 0.05° C./min. Duplicate is shown as grey line.

FIG. 23 . T cell-mediated killing induced by MCSP TCB (SEQ ID NOs: 12, 53, 54 and 55) and MCSP 1+1 CrossMab TCB antibodies of (A) A375 (high MCSP), (B) MV-3 (medium MCSP) and (C) HCT-116 (low MCSP) tumor target cells. (D) LS180 (MCSP negative tumor cell line) was used as negative control. Tumor cell killing was assessed 24 h (A-D) and 48 h (E-H) post incubation of target cells with the antibodies and effector cells (human PBMCs).

FIG. 24 . CD25 and CD69 upregulation on CD8⁺ and CD4⁺ T cells after T-cell killing of MCSP-expressing tumor cells (A375, A-D and MV-3, E-H) mediated by the MCSP TCB (SEQ ID NOs: 12, 53, 54 and 55) and MCSP 1+1 CrossMab TCB antibodies.

FIG. 25 . CE-SDS analyses of DP47 GS TCB (2+1 Crossfab-IgG P329G LALA inverted=“Untargeted TCB” SEQ ID NOs: 59, 60, 61 and 62) containing DP47 GS as non binding antibody and humanized CH2527 as anti CD3 antibody. Electropherogram shown as SDS-PAGE of DP47 GS TCB: A) non reduced, B) reduced.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Definitions

Terms are used herein as generally used in the art, unless otherwise defined in the following.

As used herein, the term “antigen binding molecule” refers in its broadest sense to a molecule that specifically binds an antigenic determinant. Examples of antigen binding molecules are immunoglobulins and derivatives, e.g. fragments, thereof.

The term “bispecific” means that the antigen binding molecule is able to specifically bind to at least two distinct antigenic determinants. Typically, a bispecific antigen binding molecule comprises two antigen binding sites, each of which is specific for a different antigenic determinant.

In certain embodiments the bispecific antigen binding molecule is capable of simultaneously binding two antigenic determinants, particularly two antigenic determinants expressed on two distinct cells.

The term “valent” as used herein denotes the presence of a specified number of antigen binding sites in an antigen binding molecule. As such, the term “monovalent binding to an antigen” denotes the presence of one (and not more than one) antigen binding site specific for the antigen in the antigen binding molecule.

An “antigen binding site” refers to the site, i.e. one or more amino acid residues, of an antigen binding molecule which provides interaction with the antigen. For example, the antigen binding site of an antibody comprises amino acid residues from the complementarity determining regions (CDRs). A native immunoglobulin molecule typically has two antigen binding sites, a Fab molecule typically has a single antigen binding site.

As used herein, the term “antigen binding moiety” refers to a polypeptide molecule that specifically binds to an antigenic determinant. In one embodiment, an antigen binding moiety is able to direct the entity to which it is attached (e.g. a second antigen binding moiety) to a target site, for example to a specific type of tumor cell or tumor stroma bearing the antigenic determinant. In another embodiment an antigen binding moiety is able to activate signaling through its target antigen, for example a T cell receptor complex antigen. Antigen binding moieties include antibodies and fragments thereof as further defined herein. Particular antigen binding moieties include an antigen binding domain of an antibody, comprising an antibody heavy chain variable region and an antibody light chain variable region. In certain embodiments, the antigen binding moieties may comprise antibody constant regions as further defined herein and known in the art. Useful heavy chain constant regions include any of the five isotypes: α, δ, ε, γ, or μ. Useful light chain constant regions include any of the two isotypes: κ and λ.

As used herein, the term “antigenic determinant” is synonymous with “antigen” and “epitope,” and refers to a site (e.g. a contiguous stretch of amino acids or a conformational configuration made up of different regions of non-contiguous amino acids) on a polypeptide macromolecule to which an antigen binding moiety binds, forming an antigen binding moiety-antigen complex. Useful antigenic determinants can be found, for example, on the surfaces of tumor cells, on the surfaces of virus-infected cells, on the surfaces of other diseased cells, on the surface of immune cells, free in blood serum, and/or in the extracellular matrix (ECM). The proteins referred to as antigens herein (e.g. MCSP, CEA, CD3) can be any native form the proteins from any vertebrate source, including mammals such as primates (e.g. humans) and rodents (e.g. mice and rats), unless otherwise indicated. In a particular embodiment the antigen is a human protein. Where reference is made to a specific protein herein, the term encompasses the “full-length”, unprocessed protein as well as any form of the protein that results from processing in the cell. The term also encompasses naturally occurring variants of the protein, e.g. splice variants or allelic variants. Exemplary human proteins useful as antigens include, but are not limited to: Melanoma-associated Chondroitin Sulfate Proteoglycan (MCSP), also known as Chondroitin Sulfate Proteoglycan 4 (CSPG4, UniProt no. Q6UVK1 (version 70), NCBI RefSeq no. NP_001888.2); Carcinoembroynic antigen (CEA), also known as Carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 5 (CEACAM5, UniProt no. P06731 (version 119), NCBI RefSeq no. NP_004354.2); and CD3, particularly the epsilon subunit of CD3 (see UniProt no. P07766 (version 130), NCBI RefSeq no. NP_000724.1, SEQ ID NO: 103 for the human sequence; or UniProt no. Q95LI5 (version 49), NCBI GenBank no. BAB71849.1, SEQ ID NO: 104 for the cynomolgus [Macaca fascicularis] sequence). In certain embodiments the T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule of the invention binds to an epitope of CD3 or a target cell antigen that is conserved among the CD3 or target antigen from different species. In certain embodiments the T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule of the invention binds to CD3 and CEACAM5, but does not bind to CEACAM1 or CEACAM6. By “specific binding” is meant that the binding is selective for the antigen and can be discriminated from unwanted or non-specific interactions. The ability of an antigen binding moiety to bind to a specific antigenic determinant can be measured either through an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) or other techniques familiar to one of skill in the art, e.g. surface plasmon resonance (SPR) technique (analyzed on a BIAcore instrument) (Liljeblad et al., Glyco J 17, 323-329 (2000)), and traditional binding assays (Heeley, Endocr Res 28, 217-229 (2002)). In one embodiment, the extent of binding of an antigen binding moiety to an unrelated protein is less than about 10% of the binding of the antigen binding moiety to the antigen as measured, e.g., by SPR. In certain embodiments, an antigen binding moiety that binds to the antigen, or an antigen binding molecule comprising that antigen binding moiety, has a dissociation constant (K_(D)) of ≤1 μM, ≤100 nM, ≤10 nM, ≤1 nM, ≤0.1 nM, ≤0.01 nM, or ≤0.001 nM (e.g. 10⁻⁸ M or less, e.g. from 10⁻⁸ M to 10⁻¹³ M, e.g., from 10⁻⁹ M to 10⁻¹³ M).

“Affinity” refers to the strength of the sum total of non-covalent interactions between a single binding site of a molecule (e.g., a receptor) and its binding partner (e.g., a ligand). Unless indicated otherwise, as used herein, “binding affinity” refers to intrinsic binding affinity which reflects a 1:1 interaction between members of a binding pair (e.g., an antigen binding moiety and an antigen, or a receptor and its ligand). The affinity of a molecule X for its partner Y can generally be represented by the dissociation constant (K_(D)), which is the ratio of dissociation and association rate constants (k_(off) and k_(on), respectively). Thus, equivalent affinities may comprise different rate constants, as long as the ratio of the rate constants remains the same. Affinity can be measured by well established methods known in the art, including those described herein. A particular method for measuring affinity is Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR).

“Reduced binding”, for example reduced binding to an Fc receptor, refers to a decrease in affinity for the respective interaction, as measured for example by SPR. For clarity the term includes also reduction of the affinity to zero (or below the detection limit of the analytic method), i.e. complete abolishment of the interaction. Conversely, “increased binding” refers to an increase in binding affinity for the respective interaction.

“T cell activation” as used herein refers to one or more cellular response of a T lymphocyte, particularly a cytotoxic T lymphocyte, selected from: proliferation, differentiation, cytokine secretion, cytotoxic effector molecule release, cytotoxic activity, and expression of activation markers. The T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecules of the invention are capable of inducing T cell activation. Suitable assays to measure T cell activation are known in the art described herein.

A “target cell antigen” as used herein refers to an antigenic determinant presented on the surface of a target cell, for example a cell in a tumor such as a cancer cell or a cell of the tumor stroma.

As used herein, the terms “first” and “second” with respect to antigen binding moieties etc., are used for convenience of distinguishing when there is more than one of each type of moiety. Use of these terms is not intended to confer a specific order or orientation of the T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule unless explicitly so stated.

A “Fab molecule” refers to a protein consisting of the VH and CH1 domain of the heavy chain (the “Fab heavy chain”) and the VL and CL domain of the light chain (the “Fab light chain”) of an immunoglobulin.

By “fused” is meant that the components (e.g. a Fab molecule and an Fc domain subunit) are linked by peptide bonds, either directly or via one or more peptide linkers.

As used herein, the term “single-chain” refers to a molecule comprising amino acid monomers linearly linked by peptide bonds. In certain embodiments, one of the antigen binding moieties is a single-chain Fab molecule, i.e. a Fab molecule wherein the Fab light chain and the Fab heavy chain are connected by a peptide linker to form a single peptide chain. In a particular such embodiment, the C-terminus of the Fab light chain is connected to the N-terminus of the Fab heavy chain in the single-chain Fab molecule.

By a “crossover” Fab molecule (also termed “Crossfab”) is meant a Fab molecule wherein either the variable regions or the constant regions of the Fab heavy and light chain are exchanged, i.e. the crossover Fab molecule comprises a peptide chain composed of the light chain variable region and the heavy chain constant region, and a peptide chain composed of the heavy chain variable region and the light chain constant region. For clarity, in a crossover Fab molecule wherein the variable regions of the Fab light chain and the Fab heavy chain are exchanged, the peptide chain comprising the heavy chain constant region is referred to herein as the “heavy chain” of the crossover Fab molecule. Conversely, in a crossover Fab molecule wherein the constant regions of the Fab light chain and the Fab heavy chain are exchanged, the peptide chain comprising the heavy chain variable region is referred to herein as the “heavy chain” of the crossover Fab molecule.

In contrast thereto, by a “conventional” Fab molecule is meant a Fab molecule in its natural format, i.e. comprising a heavy chain composed of the heavy chain variable and constant regions (VH-CH1), and a light chain composed of the light chain variable and constant regions (VL-CL).

The term “immunoglobulin molecule” refers to a protein having the structure of a naturally occurring antibody. For example, immunoglobulins of the IgG class are heterotetrameric glycoproteins of about 150,000 daltons, composed of two light chains and two heavy chains that are disulfide-bonded. From N- to C-terminus, each heavy chain has a variable region (VH), also called a variable heavy domain or a heavy chain variable domain, followed by three constant domains (CH1, CH2, and CH3), also called a heavy chain constant region. Similarly, from N- to C-terminus, each light chain has a variable region (VL), also called a variable light domain or a light chain variable domain, followed by a constant light (CL) domain, also called a light chain constant region. The heavy chain of an immunoglobulin may be assigned to one of five types, called α (IgA), δ (IgD), ε (IgE), γ (IgG), or μ (IgM), some of which may be further divided into subtypes, e.g. γ₁ (IgG₁), γ₂ (IgG₂), γ₃ (IgG₃), γ₄ (IgG₄), α₁ (IgA₁) and α₂ (IgA₂). The light chain of an immunoglobulin may be assigned to one of two types, called kappa (κ) and lambda (λ), based on the amino acid sequence of its constant domain. An immunoglobulin essentially consists of two Fab molecules and an Fc domain, linked via the immunoglobulin hinge region.

The term “antibody” herein is used in the broadest sense and encompasses various antibody structures, including but not limited to monoclonal antibodies, polyclonal antibodies, and antibody fragments so long as they exhibit the desired antigen-binding activity.

An “antibody fragment” refers to a molecule other than an intact antibody that comprises a portion of an intact antibody that binds the antigen to which the intact antibody binds. Examples of antibody fragments include but are not limited to Fv, Fab, Fab′, Fab′-SH, F(ab′)₂, diabodies, linear antibodies, single-chain antibody molecules (e.g. scFv), and single-domain antibodies. For a review of certain antibody fragments, see Hudson et al., Nat Med 9, 129-134 (2003). For a review of scFv fragments, see e.g. Pluckthun, in The Pharmacology of Monoclonal Antibodies, vol. 113, Rosenburg and Moore eds., Springer-Verlag, New York, pp. 269-315 (1994); see also WO 93/16185; and U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,571,894 and 5,587,458. For discussion of Fab and F(ab′)2 fragments comprising salvage receptor binding epitope residues and having increased in vivo half-life, see U.S. Pat. No. 5,869,046. Diabodies are antibody fragments with two antigen-binding sites that may be bivalent or bispecific. See, for example, EP 404,097; WO 1993/01161; Hudson et al., Nat Med 9, 129-134 (2003); and Hollinger et al., Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 90, 6444-6448 (1993). Triabodies and tetrabodies are also described in Hudson et al., Nat Med 9, 129-134 (2003). Single-domain antibodies are antibody fragments comprising all or a portion of the heavy chain variable domain or all or a portion of the light chain variable domain of an antibody. In certain embodiments, a single-domain antibody is a human single-domain antibody (Domantis, Inc., Waltham, Mass.; see e.g. U.S. Pat. No. 6,248,516 B1). Antibody fragments can be made by various techniques, including but not limited to proteolytic digestion of an intact antibody as well as production by recombinant host cells (e.g. E. coli or phage), as described herein.

The term “antigen binding domain” refers to the part of an antibody that comprises the area which specifically binds to and is complementary to part or all of an antigen. An antigen binding domain may be provided by, for example, one or more antibody variable domains (also called antibody variable regions). Particularly, an antigen binding domain comprises an antibody light chain variable region (VL) and an antibody heavy chain variable region (VH).

The term “variable region” or “variable domain” refers to the domain of an antibody heavy or light chain that is involved in binding the antibody to antigen. The variable domains of the heavy chain and light chain (VH and VL, respectively) of a native antibody generally have similar structures, with each domain comprising four conserved framework regions (FRs) and three hypervariable regions (HVRs). See, e.g., Kindt et al., Kuby Immunology, 6^(th) ed., W.H. Freeman and Co., page 91 (2007). A single VH or VL domain may be sufficient to confer antigen-binding specificity.

The term “hypervariable region” or “HVR”, as used herein, refers to each of the regions of an antibody variable domain which are hypervariable in sequence and/or form structurally defined loops (“hypervariable loops”). Generally, native four-chain antibodies comprise six HVRs; three in the VH (H1, H2, H3), and three in the VL (L1, L2, L3). HVRs generally comprise amino acid residues from the hypervariable loops and/or from the complementarity determining regions (CDRs), the latter being of highest sequence variability and/or involved in antigen recognition. With the exception of CDR1 in VH, CDRs generally comprise the amino acid residues that form the hypervariable loops. Hypervariable regions (HVRs) are also referred to as “complementarity determining regions” (CDRs), and these terms are used herein interchangeably in reference to portions of the variable region that form the antigen binding regions. This particular region has been described by Kabat et al., U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services, Sequences of Proteins of Immunological Interest (1983) and by Chothia et al., J Mol Biol 196:901-917 (1987), where the definitions include overlapping or subsets of amino acid residues when compared against each other. Nevertheless, application of either definition to refer to a CDR of an antibody or variants thereof is intended to be within the scope of the term as defined and used herein. The appropriate amino acid residues which encompass the CDRs as defined by each of the above cited references are set forth below in Table A as a comparison. The exact residue numbers which encompass a particular CDR will vary depending on the sequence and size of the CDR. Those skilled in the art can routinely determine which residues comprise a particular CDR given the variable region amino acid sequence of the antibody.

TABLE A CDR Definitions¹ CDR Kabat Chothia AbM² V_(H) CDR1 31-35 26-32 26-35 V_(H) CDR2 50-65 52-58 50-58 V_(H) CDR3  95-102  95-102  95-102 V_(L) CDR1 24-34 26-32 24-34 V_(L) CDR2 50-56 50-52 50-56 V_(L) CDR3 89-97 91-96 89-97 ¹Numbering of all CDR definitions in Table A is according to the numbering conventions set forth by Kabat et al. (see below). ²“AbM” with a lowercase “b” as used in Table A refers to the CDRs as defined by Oxford Molecular's “AbM” antibody modeling software.

Kabat et al. also defined a numbering system for variable region sequences that is applicable to any antibody. One of ordinary skill in the art can unambiguously assign this system of “Kabat numbering” to any variable region sequence, without reliance on any experimental data beyond the sequence itself. As used herein, “Kabat numbering” refers to the numbering system set forth by Kabat et al., U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services, “Sequence of Proteins of Immunological Interest” (1983). Unless otherwise specified, references to the numbering of specific amino acid residue positions in an antibody variable region are according to the Kabat numbering system.

The polypeptide sequences of the sequence listing are not numbered according to the Kabat numbering system. However, it is well within the ordinary skill of one in the art to convert the numbering of the sequences of the Sequence Listing to Kabat numbering.

“Framework” or “FR” refers to variable domain residues other than hypervariable region (HVR) residues. The FR of a variable domain generally consists of four FR domains: FR1, FR2, FR3, and FR4. Accordingly, the HVR and FR sequences generally appear in the following sequence in VH (or VL): FR1-H1(L1)-FR2-H2(L2)-FR3-H3(L3)-FR4.

The “class” of an antibody or immunoglobulin refers to the type of constant domain or constant region possessed by its heavy chain. There are five major classes of antibodies: IgA, IgD, IgE, IgG, and IgM, and several of these may be further divided into subclasses (isotypes), e.g., IgG₁, IgG₂, IgG₃, IgG₄, IgA₁, and IgA₂. The heavy chain constant domains that correspond to the different classes of immunoglobulins are called α, δ, ε, γ, and μ, respectively.

The term “Fc domain” or “Fc region” herein is used to define a C-terminal region of an immunoglobulin heavy chain that contains at least a portion of the constant region. The term includes native sequence Fc regions and variant Fc regions. Although the boundaries of the Fc region of an IgG heavy chain might vary slightly, the human IgG heavy chain Fc region is usually defined to extend from Cys226, or from Pro230, to the carboxyl-terminus of the heavy chain. However, the C-terminal lysine (Lys447) of the Fc region may or may not be present. Unless otherwise specified herein, numbering of amino acid residues in the Fc region or constant region is according to the EU numbering system, also called the EU index, as described in Kabat et al., Sequences of Proteins of Immunological Interest, 5th Ed. Public Health Service, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Md., 1991. A “subunit” of an Fc domain as used herein refers to one of the two polypeptides forming the dimeric Fc domain, i.e. a polypeptide comprising C-terminal constant regions of an immunoglobulin heavy chain, capable of stable self-association. For example, a subunit of an IgG Fc domain comprises an IgG CH2 and an IgG CH3 constant domain. A “modification promoting the association of the first and the second subunit of the Fc domain” is a manipulation of the peptide backbone or the post-translational modifications of an Fc domain subunit that reduces or prevents the association of a polypeptide comprising the Fc domain subunit with an identical polypeptide to form a homodimer. A modification promoting association as used herein particularly includes separate modifications made to each of the two Fc domain subunits desired to associate (i.e. the first and the second subunit of the Fc domain), wherein the modifications are complementary to each other so as to promote association of the two Fc domain subunits. For example, a modification promoting association may alter the structure or charge of one or both of the Fc domain subunits so as to make their association sterically or electrostatically favorable, respectively. Thus, (hetero)dimerization occurs between a polypeptide comprising the first Fc domain subunit and a polypeptide comprising the second Fc domain subunit, which might be non-identical in the sense that further components fused to each of the subunits (e.g. antigen binding moieties) are not the same. In some embodiments the modification promoting association comprises an amino acid mutation in the Fc domain, specifically an amino acid substitution. In a particular embodiment, the modification promoting association comprises a separate amino acid mutation, specifically an amino acid substitution, in each of the two subunits of the Fc domain.

The term “effector functions” refers to those biological activities attributable to the Fc region of an antibody, which vary with the antibody isotype. Examples of antibody effector functions include: C1q binding and complement dependent cytotoxicity (CDC), Fc receptor binding, antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC), antibody-dependent cellular phagocytosis (ADCP), cytokine secretion, immune complex-mediated antigen uptake by antigen presenting cells, down regulation of cell surface receptors (e.g. B cell receptor), and B cell activation.

As used herein, the terms “engineer, engineered, engineering”, are considered to include any manipulation of the peptide backbone or the post-translational modifications of a naturally occurring or recombinant polypeptide or fragment thereof. Engineering includes modifications of the amino acid sequence, of the glycosylation pattern, or of the side chain group of individual amino acids, as well as combinations of these approaches.

The term “amino acid mutation” as used herein is meant to encompass amino acid substitutions, deletions, insertions, and modifications. Any combination of substitution, deletion, insertion, and modification can be made to arrive at the final construct, provided that the final construct possesses the desired characteristics, e.g., reduced binding to an Fc receptor, or increased association with another peptide. Amino acid sequence deletions and insertions include amino- and/or carboxy-terminal deletions and insertions of amino acids. Particular amino acid mutations are amino acid substitutions. For the purpose of altering e.g. the binding characteristics of an Fc region, non-conservative amino acid substitutions, i.e. replacing one amino acid with another amino acid having different structural and/or chemical properties, are particularly preferred. Amino acid substitutions include replacement by non-naturally occurring amino acids or by naturally occurring amino acid derivatives of the twenty standard amino acids (e.g. 4-hydroxyproline, 3-methylhistidine, ornithine, homoserine, 5-hydroxylysine). Amino acid mutations can be generated using genetic or chemical methods well known in the art. Genetic methods may include site-directed mutagenesis, PCR, gene synthesis and the like. It is contemplated that methods of altering the side chain group of an amino acid by methods other than genetic engineering, such as chemical modification, may also be useful. Various designations may be used herein to indicate the same amino acid mutation. For example, a substitution from proline at position 329 of the Fc domain to glycine can be indicated as 329G, G329, G₃₂₉, P329G, or Pro329Gly.

As used herein, term “polypeptide” refers to a molecule composed of monomers (amino acids) linearly linked by amide bonds (also known as peptide bonds). The term “polypeptide” refers to any chain of two or more amino acids, and does not refer to a specific length of the product. Thus, peptides, dipeptides, tripeptides, oligopeptides, “protein,” “amino acid chain,” or any other term used to refer to a chain of two or more amino acids, are included within the definition of “polypeptide,” and the term “polypeptide” may be used instead of, or interchangeably with any of these terms. The term “polypeptide” is also intended to refer to the products of post-expression modifications of the polypeptide, including without limitation glycosylation, acetylation, phosphorylation, amidation, derivatization by known protecting/blocking groups, proteolytic cleavage, or modification by non-naturally occurring amino acids. A polypeptide may be derived from a natural biological source or produced by recombinant technology, but is not necessarily translated from a designated nucleic acid sequence. It may be generated in any manner, including by chemical synthesis. A polypeptide of the invention may be of a size of about 3 or more, 5 or more, 10 or more, 20 or more, 25 or more, 50 or more, 75 or more, 100 or more, 200 or more, 500 or more, 1,000 or more, or 2,000 or more amino acids. Polypeptides may have a defined three-dimensional structure, although they do not necessarily have such structure. Polypeptides with a defined three-dimensional structure are referred to as folded, and polypeptides which do not possess a defined three-dimensional structure, but rather can adopt a large number of different conformations, and are referred to as unfolded.

By an “isolated” polypeptide or a variant, or derivative thereof is intended a polypeptide that is not in its natural milieu. No particular level of purification is required. For example, an isolated polypeptide can be removed from its native or natural environment. Recombinantly produced polypeptides and proteins expressed in host cells are considered isolated for the purpose of the invention, as are native or recombinant polypeptides which have been separated, fractionated, or partially or substantially purified by any suitable technique.

“Percent (%) amino acid sequence identity” with respect to a reference polypeptide sequence is defined as the percentage of amino acid residues in a candidate sequence that are identical with the amino acid residues in the reference polypeptide sequence, after aligning the sequences and introducing gaps, if necessary, to achieve the maximum percent sequence identity, and not considering any conservative substitutions as part of the sequence identity. Alignment for purposes of determining percent amino acid sequence identity can be achieved in various ways that are within the skill in the art, for instance, using publicly available computer software such as BLAST, BLAST-2, ALIGN or Megalign (DNASTAR) software. Those skilled in the art can determine appropriate parameters for aligning sequences, including any algorithms needed to achieve maximal alignment over the full length of the sequences being compared. For purposes herein, however, % amino acid sequence identity values are generated using the sequence comparison computer program ALIGN-2. The ALIGN-2 sequence comparison computer program was authored by Genentech, Inc., and the source code has been filed with user documentation in the U.S. Copyright Office, Washington D.C., 20559, where it is registered under U.S. Copyright Registration No. TXU510087. The ALIGN-2 program is publicly available from Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, Calif., or may be compiled from the source code. The ALIGN-2 program should be compiled for use on a UNIX operating system, including digital UNIX V4.0D. All sequence comparison parameters are set by the ALIGN-2 program and do not vary. In situations where ALIGN-2 is employed for amino acid sequence comparisons, the % amino acid sequence identity of a given amino acid sequence A to, with, or against a given amino acid sequence B (which can alternatively be phrased as a given amino acid sequence A that has or comprises a certain % amino acid sequence identity to, with, or against a given amino acid sequence B) is calculated as follows:

100 times the fraction X/Y

where X is the number of amino acid residues scored as identical matches by the sequence alignment program ALIGN-2 in that program's alignment of A and B, and where Y is the total number of amino acid residues in B. It will be appreciated that where the length of amino acid sequence A is not equal to the length of amino acid sequence B, the % amino acid sequence identity of A to B will not equal the % amino acid sequence identity of B to A. Unless specifically stated otherwise, all % amino acid sequence identity values used herein are obtained as described in the immediately preceding paragraph using the ALIGN-2 computer program.

The term “polynucleotide” refers to an isolated nucleic acid molecule or construct, e.g. messenger RNA (mRNA), virally-derived RNA, or plasmid DNA (pDNA). A polynucleotide may comprise a conventional phosphodiester bond or a non-conventional bond (e.g. an amide bond, such as found in peptide nucleic acids (PNA). The term “nucleic acid molecule” refers to any one or more nucleic acid segments, e.g. DNA or RNA fragments, present in a polynucleotide.

By “isolated” nucleic acid molecule or polynucleotide is intended a nucleic acid molecule, DNA or RNA, which has been removed from its native environment. For example, a recombinant polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide contained in a vector is considered isolated for the purposes of the present invention. Further examples of an isolated polynucleotide include recombinant polynucleotides maintained in heterologous host cells or purified (partially or substantially) polynucleotides in solution. An isolated polynucleotide includes a polynucleotide molecule contained in cells that ordinarily contain the polynucleotide molecule, but the polynucleotide molecule is present extrachromosomally or at a chromosomal location that is different from its natural chromosomal location. Isolated RNA molecules include in vivo or in vitro RNA transcripts of the present invention, as well as positive and negative strand forms, and double-stranded forms. Isolated polynucleotides or nucleic acids according to the present invention further include such molecules produced synthetically. In addition, a polynucleotide or a nucleic acid may be or may include a regulatory element such as a promoter, ribosome binding site, or a transcription terminator.

By a nucleic acid or polynucleotide having a nucleotide sequence at least, for example, 95% “identical” to a reference nucleotide sequence of the present invention, it is intended that the nucleotide sequence of the polynucleotide is identical to the reference sequence except that the polynucleotide sequence may include up to five point mutations per each 100 nucleotides of the reference nucleotide sequence. In other words, to obtain a polynucleotide having a nucleotide sequence at least 95% identical to a reference nucleotide sequence, up to 5% of the nucleotides in the reference sequence may be deleted or substituted with another nucleotide, or a number of nucleotides up to 5% of the total nucleotides in the reference sequence may be inserted into the reference sequence. These alterations of the reference sequence may occur at the 5′ or 3′ terminal positions of the reference nucleotide sequence or anywhere between those terminal positions, interspersed either individually among residues in the reference sequence or in one or more contiguous groups within the reference sequence. As a practical matter, whether any particular polynucleotide sequence is at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical to a nucleotide sequence of the present invention can be determined conventionally using known computer programs, such as the ones discussed above for polypeptides (e.g. ALIGN-2).

The term “expression cassette” refers to a polynucleotide generated recombinantly or synthetically, with a series of specified nucleic acid elements that permit transcription of a particular nucleic acid in a target cell. The recombinant expression cassette can be incorporated into a plasmid, chromosome, mitochondrial DNA, plastid DNA, virus, or nucleic acid fragment. Typically, the recombinant expression cassette portion of an expression vector includes, among other sequences, a nucleic acid sequence to be transcribed and a promoter. In certain embodiments, the expression cassette of the invention comprises polynucleotide sequences that encode bispecific antigen binding molecules of the invention or fragments thereof.

The term “vector” or “expression vector” is synonymous with “expression construct” and refers to a DNA molecule that is used to introduce and direct the expression of a specific gene to which it is operably associated in a target cell. The term includes the vector as a self-replicating nucleic acid structure as well as the vector incorporated into the genome of a host cell into which it has been introduced. The expression vector of the present invention comprises an expression cassette. Expression vectors allow transcription of large amounts of stable mRNA. Once the expression vector is inside the target cell, the ribonucleic acid molecule or protein that is encoded by the gene is produced by the cellular transcription and/or translation machinery. In one embodiment, the expression vector of the invention comprises an expression cassette that comprises polynucleotide sequences that encode bispecific antigen binding molecules of the invention or fragments thereof.

The terms “host cell”, “host cell line,” and “host cell culture” are used interchangeably and refer to cells into which exogenous nucleic acid has been introduced, including the progeny of such cells. Host cells include “transformants” and “transformed cells,” which include the primary transformed cell and progeny derived therefrom without regard to the number of passages. Progeny may not be completely identical in nucleic acid content to a parent cell, but may contain mutations. Mutant progeny that have the same function or biological activity as screened or selected for in the originally transformed cell are included herein. A host cell is any type of cellular system that can be used to generate the bispecific antigen binding molecules of the present invention. Host cells include cultured cells, e.g. mammalian cultured cells, such as CHO cells, BHK cells, NS0 cells, SP2/0 cells, YO myeloma cells, P3X63 mouse myeloma cells, PER cells, PER.C6 cells or hybridoma cells, yeast cells, insect cells, and plant cells, to name only a few, but also cells comprised within a transgenic animal, transgenic plant or cultured plant or animal tissue.

An “activating Fc receptor” is an Fc receptor that following engagement by an Fc domain of an antibody elicits signaling events that stimulate the receptor-bearing cell to perform effector functions. Human activating Fc receptors include FcγRIIIa (CD16a), FcγRI (CD64), FcγRIIa (CD32), and FcαRI (CD89).

Antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) is an immune mechanism leading to the lysis of antibody-coated target cells by immune effector cells. The target cells are cells to which antibodies or derivatives thereof comprising an Fc region specifically bind, generally via the protein part that is N-terminal to the Fc region. As used herein, the term “reduced ADCC” is defined as either a reduction in the number of target cells that are lysed in a given time, at a given concentration of antibody in the medium surrounding the target cells, by the mechanism of ADCC defined above, and/or an increase in the concentration of antibody in the medium surrounding the target cells, required to achieve the lysis of a given number of target cells in a given time, by the mechanism of ADCC. The reduction in ADCC is relative to the ADCC mediated by the same antibody produced by the same type of host cells, using the same standard production, purification, formulation and storage methods (which are known to those skilled in the art), but that has not been engineered. For example the reduction in ADCC mediated by an antibody comprising in its Fc domain an amino acid substitution that reduces ADCC, is relative to the ADCC mediated by the same antibody without this amino acid substitution in the Fc domain. Suitable assays to measure ADCC are well known in the art (see e.g. PCT publication no. WO 2006/082515 or PCT publication no. WO 2012/130831).

An “effective amount” of an agent refers to the amount that is necessary to result in a physiological change in the cell or tissue to which it is administered.

A “therapeutically effective amount” of an agent, e.g. a pharmaceutical composition, refers to an amount effective, at dosages and for periods of time necessary, to achieve the desired therapeutic or prophylactic result. A therapeutically effective amount of an agent for example eliminates, decreases, delays, minimizes or prevents adverse effects of a disease.

An “individual” or “subject” is a mammal. Mammals include, but are not limited to, domesticated animals (e.g. cows, sheep, cats, dogs, and horses), primates (e.g. humans and non-human primates such as monkeys), rabbits, and rodents (e.g. mice and rats). Particularly, the individual or subject is a human.

The term “pharmaceutical composition” refers to a preparation which is in such form as to permit the biological activity of an active ingredient contained therein to be effective, and which contains no additional components which are unacceptably toxic to a subject to which the formulation would be administered.

A “pharmaceutically acceptable carrier” refers to an ingredient in a pharmaceutical composition, other than an active ingredient, which is nontoxic to a subject. A pharmaceutically acceptable carrier includes, but is not limited to, a buffer, excipient, stabilizer, or preservative.

As used herein, “treatment” (and grammatical variations thereof such as “treat” or “treating”) refers to clinical intervention in an attempt to alter the natural course of a disease in the individual being treated, and can be performed either for prophylaxis or during the course of clinical pathology. Desirable effects of treatment include, but are not limited to, preventing occurrence or recurrence of disease, alleviation of symptoms, diminishment of any direct or indirect pathological consequences of the disease, preventing metastasis, decreasing the rate of disease progression, amelioration or palliation of the disease state, and remission or improved prognosis. In some embodiments, T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecules of the invention are used to delay development of a disease or to slow the progression of a disease.

The term “package insert” is used to refer to instructions customarily included in commercial packages of therapeutic products, that contain information about the indications, usage, dosage, administration, combination therapy, contraindications and/or warnings concerning the use of such therapeutic products.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

In a first aspect the present invention provides a T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule comprising

(i) a first antigen binding moiety which is a Fab molecule capable of specific binding to CD3, and which comprises at least one heavy chain complementarity determining region (CDR) selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 4, SEQ ID NO: 5 and SEQ ID NO: 6 and at least one light chain CDR selected from the group of SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO: 9, SEQ ID NO: 10;

(ii) a second antigen binding moiety which is a Fab molecule capable of specific binding to a target cell antigen.

In one embodiment the first antigen binding moiety comprises a heavy chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence that is at least about 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to an amino acid sequence selected from the group of: SEQ ID NO: 3, SEQ ID NO: 32 and SEQ ID NO: 33 and a light chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence that is at least about 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to an amino acid sequence selected from the group of: SEQ ID NO: 7 and SEQ ID NO: 31.

In one embodiment the first antigen binding moiety comprises a heavy chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence that is at least about 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 3 and a light chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence that is at least about 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 7.

In a specific embodiment the second antigen binding moiety is capable of specific binding to CEA and comprises at least one heavy chain complementarity determining region (CDR) selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 24, SEQ ID NO: 25 and SEQ ID NO: 26 and at least one light chain CDR selected from the group of SEQ ID NO: 28, SEQ ID NO: 29 and SEQ ID NO: 30.

In another specific embodiment, the second antigen binding moiety is capable of specific binding to CEA and comprises a heavy chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence that is at least about 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 23 and a light chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence that is at least about 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 27.

In another specific embodiment, the second antigen binding moiety is capable of specific binding to MCSP and comprises at least one heavy chain complementarity determining region (CDR) selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO: 15, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 35, SEQ ID NO: 37, SEQ ID NO: 38 and SEQ ID NO: 40 and at least one light chain CDR selected from the group of SEQ ID NO: 18, SEQ ID NO: 19, SEQ ID NO: 20, SEQ ID NO: 44, SEQ ID NO: 45, SEQ ID NO: 48, SEQ ID NO: 49 and SEQ ID NO: 50.

In another specific embodiment, the second antigen binding moiety is capable of specific binding to MCSP and comprises at least one heavy chain complementarity determining region (CDR) selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO: 15 and SEQ ID NO: 16 and at least one light chain CDR selected from the group of SEQ ID NO: 18, SEQ ID NO: 19 and SEQ ID NO: 20.

In another specific embodiment, the second antigen binding moiety is capable of specific binding to MCSP and comprises a heavy chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence that is at least about 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to an amino acid sequence selected from the group of SEQ ID NO: 13, SEQ ID NO: 34, SEQ ID NO: 36, SEQ ID NO: 39 and SEQ ID NO: 41 and a light chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence that is at least about 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to an amino acid sequence selected from the group of SEQ ID NO: 17, SEQ ID NO: 43, SEQ ID NO: 46, SEQ ID NO: 47 and SEQ ID NO: 51.

In another specific embodiment, the second antigen binding moiety is capable of specific binding to MCSP and comprises a heavy chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence that is at least about 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 13 and a light chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence that is at least about 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 17.

In one embodiment the present invention provides a T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule comprising

(i) a first antigen binding moiety which is a Fab molecule capable of specific binding to CD3, comprising at least one heavy chain complementarity determining region (CDR) selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 4, SEQ ID NO: 5 and SEQ ID NO: 6 and at least one light chain CDR selected from the group of SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO: 9, SEQ ID NO: 10;

(ii) a second antigen binding moiety which is a Fab molecule capable of specific binding to CEA comprising at least one heavy chain complementarity determining region (CDR) selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 24, SEQ ID NO: 25 and SEQ ID NO: 26 and at least one light chain CDR selected from the group of SEQ ID NO: 28, SEQ ID NO: 29 and SEQ ID NO: 30.

In one embodiment the present invention provides a T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule comprising

(i) a first antigen binding moiety which is a Fab molecule capable of specific binding to CD3 comprising a heavy chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence that is at least about 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 3 and a light chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence that is at least about 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 7,

(ii) a second antigen binding moiety which is a Fab molecule capable of specific binding to CEA comprising heavy chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence that is at least about 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 23 and a light chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence that is at least about 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 27.

In one embodiment the present invention provides a T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule comprising

(i) a first antigen binding moiety which is a Fab molecule capable of specific binding to CD3, comprising at least one heavy chain complementarity determining region (CDR) selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 4, SEQ ID NO: 5 and SEQ ID NO: 6 and at least one light chain CDR selected from the group of SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO: 9, SEQ ID NO: 10;

(ii) a second antigen binding moiety which is a Fab molecule capable of specific binding to MCSP comprising at least one heavy chain complementarity determining region (CDR) selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO: 15 and SEQ ID NO: 16 and at least one light chain CDR selected from the group of SEQ ID NO: 18, SEQ ID NO: 19 and SEQ ID NO: 20.

In one embodiment the present invention provides a T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule comprising

(i) a first antigen binding moiety which is a Fab molecule capable of specific binding to CD3 comprising a heavy chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence that is at least about 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 3 and a light chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence that is at least about 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 7.

(ii) a second antigen binding moiety which is a Fab molecule capable of specific binding to MCSP comprising a heavy chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence that is at least about 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 13 and a light chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence that is at least about 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 17.

In a particular embodiment, the first antigen binding moiety is a crossover Fab molecule wherein either the variable or the constant regions of the Fab light chain and the Fab heavy chain are exchanged.

In one embodiment, the second antigen binding moiety is a conventional Fab molecule.

In a particular embodiment, the first antigen binding moiety is a crossover Fab molecule wherein the constant regions of the Fab light chain and the Fab heavy chain are exchanged, and the second antigen binding moiety is a conventional Fab molecule. In a further particular embodiment, the first and the second antigen binding moiety are fused to each other, optionally through a peptide linker.

In particular embodiments, the T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule further comprises an Fc domain composed of a first and a second subunit capable of stable association.

In a further particular embodiment, not more than one antigen binding moiety capable of specific binding to CD3 is present in the T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule (i.e. the T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule provides monovalent binding to CD3).

T Cell Activating Bispecific Antigen Binding Molecule Formats

The components of the T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule can be fused to each other in a variety of configurations. Exemplary configurations are depicted in FIGS. 1, 3 and 5 .

In particular embodiments, the T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule comprises an Fc domain composed of a first and a second subunit capable of stable association. In some embodiments, the second antigen binding moiety is fused at the C-terminus of the Fab heavy chain to the N-terminus of the first or the second subunit of the Fc domain.

In one such embodiment, the first antigen binding moiety is fused at the C-terminus of the Fab heavy chain to the N-terminus of the Fab heavy chain of the second antigen binding moiety. In a specific such embodiment, the T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule essentially consists of a first and a second antigen binding moiety, an Fc domain composed of a first and a second subunit, and optionally one or more peptide linkers, wherein the first antigen binding moiety is fused at the C-terminus of the Fab heavy chain to the N-terminus of the Fab heavy chain of the second antigen binding moiety, and the second antigen binding moiety is fused at the C-terminus of the Fab heavy chain to the N-terminus of the first or the second subunit of the Fc domain. Optionally, the Fab light chain of the first antigen binding moiety and the Fab light chain of the second antigen binding moiety may additionally be fused to each other.

In another such embodiment, the first antigen binding moiety is fused at the C-terminus of the Fab heavy chain to the N-terminus of the first or second subunit of the Fc domain. In a specific such embodiment, the T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule essentially consists of a first and a second antigen binding moiety, an Fc domain composed of a first and a second subunit, and optionally one or more peptide linkers, wherein the first and the second antigen binding moiety are each fused at the C-terminus of the Fab heavy chain to the N-terminus of one of the subunits of the Fc domain.

In other embodiments, the first antigen binding moiety is fused at the C-terminus of the Fab heavy chain to the N-terminus of the first or second subunit of the Fc domain.

In a particular such embodiment, the second antigen binding moiety is fused at the C-terminus of the Fab heavy chain to the N-terminus of the Fab heavy chain of the first antigen binding moiety.

In a specific such embodiment, the T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule essentially consists of a first and a second antigen binding moiety, an Fc domain composed of a first and a second subunit, and optionally one or more peptide linkers, wherein the second antigen binding moiety is fused at the C-terminus of the Fab heavy chain to the N-terminus of the Fab heavy chain of the first antigen binding moiety, and the first antigen binding moiety is fused at the C-terminus of the Fab heavy chain to the N-terminus of the first or the second subunit of the Fc domain. Optionally, the Fab light chain of the first antigen binding moiety and the Fab light chain of the second antigen binding moiety may additionally be fused to each other.

The antigen binding moieties may be fused to the Fc domain or to each other directly or through a peptide linker, comprising one or more amino acids, typically about 2-20 amino acids. Peptide linkers are known in the art and are described herein. Suitable, non-immunogenic peptide linkers include, for example, (G₄S)_(n), (SG₄)_(n), (G₄S)_(n) or G₄(SG₄)_(n) peptide linkers. “n” is generally a number between 1 and 10, typically between 2 and 4. A particularly suitable peptide linker for fusing the Fab light chains of the first and the second antigen binding moiety to each other is (G₄S)₂. An exemplary peptide linker suitable for connecting the Fab heavy chains of the first and the second antigen binding moiety is EPKSC(D)-(G₄S)₂ (SEQ ID NOs 105 and 106). Additionally, linkers may comprise (a portion of) an immunoglobulin hinge region. Particularly where an antigen binding moiety is fused to the N-terminus of an Fc domain subunit, it may be fused via an immunoglobulin hinge region or a portion thereof, with or without an additional peptide linker.

A T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule with a single antigen binding moiety capable of specific binding to a target cell antigen (for example as shown in FIG. 1A, 1D, 1F or 1H) is useful, particularly in cases where internalization of the target cell antigen is to be expected following binding of a high affinity antigen binding moiety. In such cases, the presence of more than one antigen binding moiety specific for the target cell antigen may enhance internalization of the target cell antigen, thereby reducing its availability.

In many other cases, however, it will be advantageous to have a T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule comprising two or more antigen binding moieties specific for a target cell antigen (see examples in shown in FIG. 1B, 1C, 1E or 1G), for example to optimize targeting to the target site or to allow crosslinking of target cell antigens.

Accordingly, in certain embodiments, the T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule of the invention further comprises a third antigen binding moiety which is a Fab molecule capable of specific binding to a target cell antigen. In one embodiment, the third antigen binding moiety is a conventional Fab molecule. In one embodiment, the third antigen binding moiety is capable of specific binding to the same target cell antigen as the second antigen binding moiety. In a particular embodiment, the first antigen binding moiety is capable of specific binding to CD3, and the second and third antigen binding moieties are capable of specific binding to a target cell antigen. In a particular embodiment, the second and the third antigen binding moiety are identical (i.e. they comprise the same amino acid sequences).

In a particular embodiment, the first antigen binding moiety is capable of specific binding to CD3, and the second and third antigen binding moieties are capable of specific binding to CEA, wherein the second and third antigen binding moieties comprise at least one heavy chain complementarity determining region (CDR) selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 24, SEQ ID NO: 25 and SEQ ID NO: 26 and at least one light chain CDR selected from the group of SEQ ID NO: 28, SEQ ID NO: 29 and SEQ ID NO: 30.

In a particular embodiment, the first antigen binding moiety is capable of specific binding to CD3, and comprises at least one heavy chain complementarity determining region (CDR) selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 4, SEQ ID NO: 5 and SEQ ID NO: 6 and at least one light chain CDR selected from the group of SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO: 9, SEQ ID NO: 10; and the second and third antigen binding moieties are capable of specific binding to CEA, wherein the second and third antigen binding moieties comprise at least one heavy chain complementarity determining region (CDR) selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 24, SEQ ID NO: 25 and SEQ ID NO: 26 and at least one light chain CDR selected from the group of SEQ ID NO: 28, SEQ ID NO: 29 and SEQ ID NO: 30.

In a particular embodiment, the first antigen binding moiety is capable of specific binding to CD3, and comprises at least one heavy chain complementarity determining region (CDR) selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 4, SEQ ID NO: 5 and SEQ ID NO: 6 and at least one light chain CDR selected from the group of SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO: 9, SEQ ID NO: 10; and the second and third antigen binding moieties are capable of specific binding to CEA, wherein the second and third antigen binding moieties comprise at least one heavy chain complementarity determining region (CDR) selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 24, SEQ ID NO: 25 and SEQ ID NO: 26 and at least one light chain CDR selected from the group of SEQ ID NO: 28, SEQ ID NO: 29 and SEQ ID NO: 30.

In a particular embodiment, the first antigen binding moiety is capable of specific binding to CD3, and comprises a heavy chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence that is at least about 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to an amino acid sequence selected from the group of: SEQ ID NO: 3, SEQ ID NO: 32 and SEQ ID NO: 33 and a light chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence that is at least about 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to an amino acid sequence selected from the group of: SEQ ID NO: 7 and SEQ ID NO: 31, and the second and third antigen binding moieties are capable of specific binding to CEA, wherein the second and third antigen binding moieties comprise a heavy chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence that is at least about 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 23 and a light chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence that is at least about 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 27.

In a particular embodiment, the first antigen binding moiety is capable of specific binding to CD3, and comprises a heavy chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence that is at least about 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 3, and a light chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence that is at least about 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 7, and the second and third antigen binding moieties are capable of specific binding to CEA, wherein the second and third antigen binding moieties comprise a heavy chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence that is at least about 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 23 and a light chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence that is at least about 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 27.

In one embodiment, the first antigen binding moiety is capable of specific binding to CD3, and the second and third antigen binding moieties are capable of specific binding to MCSP, wherein the second and third antigen binding moieties comprise at least one heavy chain complementarity determining region (CDR) selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO: 15, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 35, SEQ ID NO: 37, SEQ ID NO: 38 and SEQ ID NO: 40 and at least one light chain CDR selected from the group of SEQ ID NO: 18, SEQ ID NO: 19, SEQ ID NO: 20, SEQ ID NO: 44, SEQ ID NO: 45, SEQ ID NO: 48, SEQ ID NO: 49 and SEQ ID NO: 50.

In a particular embodiment, the first antigen binding moiety is capable of specific binding to CD3, and comprises at least one heavy chain complementarity determining region (CDR) selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 4, SEQ ID NO: 5 and SEQ ID NO: 6 and at least one light chain CDR selected from the group of SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO: 9, SEQ ID NO: 10; and the second and third antigen binding moieties are capable of specific binding to MCSP, wherein the second and third antigen binding moieties comprise at least one heavy chain complementarity determining region (CDR) selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO: 15, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 35, SEQ ID NO: 37, SEQ ID NO: 38 and SEQ ID NO: 40 and at least one light chain CDR selected from the group of SEQ ID NO: 18, SEQ ID NO: 19, SEQ ID NO: 20, SEQ ID NO: 44, SEQ ID NO: 45, SEQ ID NO: 48, SEQ ID NO: 49 and SEQ ID NO: 50.

In one embodiment, the first antigen binding moiety is capable of specific binding to CD3, and comprises at least one heavy chain complementarity determining region (CDR) selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 4, SEQ ID NO: 5 and SEQ ID NO: 6 and at least one light chain CDR selected from the group of SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO: 9, SEQ ID NO: 10; and the second and third antigen binding moieties are capable of specific binding to MCSP, wherein the second and third antigen binding moieties comprise at least one heavy chain complementarity determining region (CDR) selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO: 15 and SEQ ID NO: 16 and at least one light chain CDR selected from the group of SEQ ID NO: 18, SEQ ID NO: 19 and SEQ ID NO: 20.

In one embodiment, the first antigen binding moiety is capable of specific binding to CD3, and comprises a heavy chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence that is at least about 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to an amino acid sequence selected from the group of: SEQ ID NO: 3, SEQ ID NO: 32 and SEQ ID NO: 33 and a light chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence that is at least about 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to an amino acid sequence selected from the group of: SEQ ID NO: 7 and SEQ ID NO: 31, and the second and third antigen binding moieties are capable of specific binding to MCSP, wherein the second and third antigen binding moieties comprise a heavy chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence that is at least about 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to an amino acid sequence selected from the group of SEQ ID NO: 13, SEQ ID NO: 34, SEQ ID NO: 36, SEQ ID NO: 39 and SEQ ID NO: 41 and a light chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence that is at least about 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to an amino acid sequence selected from the group of SEQ ID NO: 17, SEQ ID NO: 43, SEQ ID NO: 46, SEQ ID NO: 47 and SEQ ID NO: 51.

In one embodiment, the first antigen binding moiety is capable of specific binding to CD3, and comprises a heavy chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence that is at least about 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 3 and a light chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence that is at least about 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 7, and the second and third antigen binding moieties are capable of specific binding to MCSP, wherein the second and third antigen binding moieties comprise a heavy chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence that is at least about 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 13 and a light chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence that is at least about 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 17.

In one embodiment, the third antigen binding moiety is fused at the C-terminus of the Fab heavy chain to the N-terminus of the first or second subunit of the Fc domain. In a more specific embodiment, the second and the third antigen binding moiety are each fused at the C-terminus of the Fab heavy chain to the N-terminus of one of the subunits of the Fc domain, and the first antigen binding moiety is fused at the C-terminus of the Fab heavy chain to the N-terminus of the Fab heavy chain of the second antigen binding moiety. Optionally, the Fab light chain of the first antigen binding moiety and the Fab light chain of the second antigen binding moiety may additionally be fused to each other.

The second and the third antigen binding moiety may be fused to the Fc domain directly or through a peptide linker. In a particular embodiment the second and the third antigen binding moiety are each fused to the Fc domain through an immunoglobulin hinge region. In a specific embodiment, the immunoglobulin hinge region is a human IgG₁ hinge region. In one embodiment the second and the third antigen binding moiety and the Fc domain are part of an immunoglobulin molecule. In a particular embodiment the immunoglobulin molecule is an IgG class immunoglobulin. In an even more particular embodiment the immunoglobulin is an IgG₁ subclass immunoglobulin. In another embodiment the immunoglobulin is an IgG₄ subclass immunoglobulin. In a further particular embodiment the immunoglobulin is a human immunoglobulin. In other embodiments the immunoglobulin is a chimeric immunoglobulin or a humanized immunoglobulin. In one embodiment, the T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule essentially consists of an immunoglobulin molecule capable of specific binding to a target cell antigen, and an antigen binding moiety capable of specific binding to CD3 wherein the antigen binding moiety is a Fab molecule, particularly a crossover Fab molecule, fused to the N-terminus of one of the immunoglobulin heavy chains, optionally via a peptide linker.

In a particular embodiment, the first and the third antigen binding moiety are each fused at the C-terminus of the Fab heavy chain to the N-terminus of one of the subunits of the Fc domain, and the second antigen binding moiety is fused at the C-terminus of the Fab heavy chain to the N-terminus of the Fab heavy chain of the first antigen binding moiety. In a specific such embodiment, the T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule essentially consists of a first, a second and a third antigen binding moiety, an Fc domain composed of a first and a second subunit, and optionally one or more peptide linkers, wherein the second antigen binding moiety is fused at the C-terminus of the Fab heavy chain to the N-terminus of the Fab heavy chain of the first antigen binding moiety, and the first antigen binding moiety is fused at the C-terminus of the Fab heavy chain to the N-terminus of the first subunit of the Fc domain, and wherein the third antigen binding moiety is fused at the C-terminus of the Fab heavy chain to the N-terminus of the second subunit of the Fc domain. Optionally, the Fab light chain of the first antigen binding moiety and the Fab light chain of the second antigen binding moiety may additionally be fused to each other.

In one embodiment the present invention provides a T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule comprising

(i) a first antigen binding moiety which is a Fab molecule capable of specific binding to CD3, comprising the heavy chain complementarity determining region (CDR) 1 of SEQ ID NO: 4, the heavy chain CDR 2 of SEQ ID NO: 5, the heavy chain CDR 3 of SEQ ID NO: 6, the light chain CDR 1 of SEQ ID NO: 8, the light chain CDR 2 of SEQ ID NO: 9 and the light chain CDR 3 of SEQ ID NO: 10, wherein the first antigen binding moiety is a crossover Fab molecule wherein either the variable or the constant regions, particularly the constant regions, of the Fab light chain and the Fab heavy chain are exchanged;

(ii) a second and a third antigen binding moiety each of which is a Fab molecule capable of specific binding to CEA comprising the heavy chain CDR 1 of SEQ ID NO: 24, the heavy chain CDR 2 of SEQ ID NO: 25, the heavy chain CDR 3 of SEQ ID NO: 26, the light chain CDR 1 of SEQ ID NO: 28, the light chain CDR 2 of SEQ ID NO: 29 and the light chain CDR3 of SEQ ID NO: 30.

In one embodiment the present invention provides a T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule comprising

(i) a first antigen binding moiety which is a Fab molecule capable of specific binding to CD3 comprising a heavy chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence that is at least about 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 3 and a light chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence that is at least about 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 7, wherein the first antigen binding moiety is a crossover Fab molecule wherein either the variable or the constant regions, particularly the constant regions, of the Fab light chain and the Fab heavy chain are exchanged;

(ii) a second and a third antigen binding moiety each of which is a Fab molecule capable of specific binding to CEA comprising heavy chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence that is at least about 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 23 and a light chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence that is at least about 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 27.

In one embodiment the present invention provides a T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule comprising

(i) a first antigen binding moiety which is a Fab molecule capable of specific binding to CD3, comprising the heavy chain complementarity determining region (CDR) 1 of SEQ ID NO: 4, the heavy chain CDR 2 of SEQ ID NO: 5, the heavy chain CDR 3 of SEQ ID NO: 6, the light chain CDR 1 of SEQ ID NO: 8, the light chain CDR 2 of SEQ ID NO: 9 and the light chain CDR 3 of SEQ ID NO: 10, wherein the first antigen binding moiety is a crossover Fab molecule wherein either the variable or the constant regions, particularly the constant regions, of the Fab light chain and the Fab heavy chain are exchanged;

(ii) a second and a third antigen binding moiety each of which is a Fab molecule capable of specific binding to MCSP comprising the heavy chain CDR 1 of SEQ ID NO: 14, the heavy chain CDR 2 of SEQ ID NO: 15, the heavy chain CDR 3 of SEQ ID NO: 16, the light chain CDR 1 of SEQ ID NO: 18, the light chain CDR 2 of SEQ ID NO: 19 and the light chain CDR3 of SEQ ID NO: 20.

In one embodiment the present invention provides a T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule comprising

(i) a first antigen binding moiety which is a Fab molecule capable of specific binding to CD3 comprising a heavy chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence that is at least about 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 3 and a light chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence that is at least about 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 7, wherein the first antigen binding moiety is a crossover Fab molecule wherein either the variable or the constant regions, particularly the constant regions, of the Fab light chain and the Fab heavy chain are exchanged;

(ii) a second and a third antigen binding moiety each of which is a Fab molecule capable of specific binding to MCSP comprising a heavy chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence that is at least about 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 13 and a light chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence that is at least about 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 17.

The T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule according to any of the four above embodiments may further comprise (iii) an Fc domain composed of a first and a second subunit capable of stable association, wherein the second antigen binding moiety is fused at the C-terminus of the Fab heavy chain to the N-terminus of the Fab heavy chain of the first antigen binding moiety, and the first antigen binding moiety is fused at the C-terminus of the Fab heavy chain to the N-terminus of the first subunit of the Fc domain, and wherein the third antigen binding moiety is fused at the C-terminus of the Fab heavy chain to the N-terminus of the second subunit of the Fc domain.

In some of the T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule of the invention, the Fab light chain of the first antigen binding moiety and the Fab light chain of the second antigen binding moiety are fused to each other, optionally via a linker peptide. Depending on the configuration of the first and the second antigen binding moiety, the Fab light chain of the first antigen binding moiety may be fused at its C-terminus to the N-terminus of the Fab light chain of the second antigen binding moiety, or the Fab light chain of the second antigen binding moiety may be fused at its C-terminus to the N-terminus of the Fab light chain of the first antigen binding moiety. Fusion of the Fab light chains of the first and the second antigen binding moiety further reduces mispairing of unmatched Fab heavy and light chains, and also reduces the number of plasmids needed for expression of some of the T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecules of the invention.

In certain embodiments the T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule comprises a polypeptide wherein the Fab light chain variable region of the first antigen binding moiety shares a carboxy-terminal peptide bond with the Fab heavy chain constant region of the first antigen binding moiety (i.e. a the first antigen binding moiety comprises a crossover Fab heavy chain, wherein the heavy chain variable region is replaced by a light chain variable region), which in turn shares a carboxy-terminal peptide bond with an Fc domain subunit (VL₍₁₎-CH1₍₁₎-CH2-CH3(—CH4)), and a polypeptide wherein a the Fab heavy chain of the second antigen binding moiety shares a carboxy-terminal peptide bond with an Fc domain subunit (VH₍₂₎-CH1₍₂₎-CH2-CH3(—CH4)). In some embodiments the T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule further comprises a polypeptide wherein the Fab heavy chain variable region of the first antigen binding moiety shares a carboxy-terminal peptide bond with the Fab light chain constant region of the first antigen binding moiety (VH₍₁₎-CL₍₁₎) and the Fab light chain polypeptide of the second antigen binding moiety (VL₍₂₎-CL₍₂₎). In certain embodiments the polypeptides are covalently linked, e.g., by a disulfide bond.

In alternative embodiments the T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule comprises a polypeptide wherein the Fab heavy chain variable region of the first antigen binding moiety shares a carboxy-terminal peptide bond with the Fab light chain constant region of the first antigen binding moiety (i.e. the first antigen binding moiety comprises a crossover Fab heavy chain, wherein the heavy chain constant region is replaced by a light chain constant region), which in turn shares a carboxy-terminal peptide bond with an Fc domain subunit (VH₍₁₎-CL₍₁₎-CH2-CH3(—CH4)), and a polypeptide wherein the Fab heavy chain of the second antigen binding moiety shares a carboxy-terminal peptide bond with an Fc domain subunit (VH₍₂₎-CH1₍₂₎-CH2-CH3(—CH4)). In some embodiments the T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule further comprises a polypeptide wherein the Fab light chain variable region of the first antigen binding moiety shares a carboxy-terminal peptide bond with the Fab heavy chain constant region of the first antigen binding moiety (VL₍₁₎-CH1₍₁₎) and the Fab light chain polypeptide of the second antigen binding moiety (VL₍₂₎-CL₍₂₎). In certain embodiments the polypeptides are covalently linked, e.g., by a disulfide bond.

In some embodiments, the T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule comprises a polypeptide wherein the Fab light chain variable region of the first antigen binding moiety shares a carboxy-terminal peptide bond with the Fab heavy chain constant region of the first antigen binding moiety (i.e. the first antigen binding moiety comprises a crossover Fab heavy chain, wherein the heavy chain variable region is replaced by a light chain variable region), which in turn shares a carboxy-terminal peptide bond with the Fab heavy chain of the second antigen binding moiety, which in turn shares a carboxy-terminal peptide bond with an Fc domain subunit (VL₍₁₎-CH1₍₁₎-VH₍₂₎-CH1₍₂₎-CH2-CH3(—CH4)). In other embodiments, the T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule comprises a polypeptide wherein the Fab heavy chain variable region of the first antigen binding moiety shares a carboxy-terminal peptide bond with the Fab light chain constant region of the first antigen binding moiety (i.e. the first antigen binding moiety comprises a crossover Fab heavy chain, wherein the heavy chain constant region is replaced by a light chain constant region), which in turn shares a carboxy-terminal peptide bond with the Fab heavy chain of the second antigen binding moiety, which in turn shares a carboxy-terminal peptide bond with an Fc domain subunit (VH₍₁₎-CL₍₁₎-VH₍₂₎-CH1₍₂₎-CH2-CH3(—CH4)). In still other embodiments, the T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule comprises a polypeptide wherein the Fab heavy chain of the second antigen binding moiety shares a carboxy-terminal peptide bond with the Fab light chain variable region of the first antigen binding moiety which in turn shares a carboxy-terminal peptide bond with the Fab heavy chain constant region of the first antigen binding moiety (i.e. the first antigen binding moiety comprises a crossover Fab heavy chain, wherein the heavy chain variable region is replaced by a light chain variable region), which in turn shares a carboxy-terminal peptide bond with an Fc domain subunit (VH₍₂₎-CH1₍₂₎-VL₍₁₎-CH1₍₁₎-CH2-CH3(—CH4)).

In other embodiments, the T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule comprises a polypeptide wherein the Fab heavy chain of the second antigen binding moiety shares a carboxy-terminal peptide bond with the Fab heavy chain variable region of the first antigen binding moiety which in turn shares a carboxy-terminal peptide bond with the Fab light chain constant region of the first antigen binding moiety (i.e. the first antigen binding moiety comprises a crossover Fab heavy chain, wherein the heavy chain constant region is replaced by a light chain constant region), which in turn shares a carboxy-terminal peptide bond with an Fe domain subunit (VH₍₂₎-CH1₍₂₎-VH₍₁₎-CL₍₁₎-CH2-CH3(—CH4)).

In some of these embodiments the T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule further comprises a crossover Fab light chain polypeptide of the first antigen binding moiety, wherein the Fab heavy chain variable region of the first antigen binding moiety shares a carboxy-terminal peptide bond with the Fab light chain constant region of the first antigen binding moiety (VH₍₁₎-CL₍₁₎), and the Fab light chain polypeptide of the second antigen binding moiety (VL₍₂₎-CL₍₂₎). In others of these embodiments the T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule further comprises a crossover Fab light chain polypeptide, wherein the Fab light chain variable region of the first antigen binding moiety shares a carboxy-terminal peptide bond with the Fab heavy chain constant region of the first antigen binding moiety (VL₍₁₎-CH1₍₁₎), and the Fab light chain polypeptide of the second antigen binding moiety (VL₍₂₎-CL₍₂₎). In still others of these embodiments the T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule further comprises a polypeptide wherein the Fab light chain variable region of the first antigen binding moiety shares a carboxy-terminal peptide bond with the Fab heavy chain constant region of the first antigen binding moiety which in turn shares a carboxy-terminal peptide bond with the Fab light chain polypeptide of the second antigen binding moiety (VL₍₁₎-CH1₍₁₎-VL₍₂₎-CL₍₂₎), a polypeptide wherein the Fab heavy chain variable region of the first antigen binding moiety shares a carboxy-terminal peptide bond with the Fab light chain constant region of the first antigen binding moiety which in turn shares a carboxy-terminal peptide bond with the Fab light chain polypeptide of the second antigen binding moiety (VH₍₁₎-CL₍₁₎-VL₍₂₎-CL₍₂₎), a polypeptide wherein the Fab light chain polypeptide of the second antigen binding moiety shares a carboxy-terminal peptide bond with the Fab light chain variable region of the first antigen binding moiety which in turn shares a carboxy-terminal peptide bond with the Fab heavy chain constant region of the first antigen binding moiety (VL₍₂₎-CL₍₂₎-VL₍₁₎-CH1₍₁₎), or a polypeptide wherein the Fab light chain polypeptide of the second antigen binding moiety shares a carboxy-terminal peptide bond with the Fab heavy chain variable region of the first antigen binding moiety which in turn shares a carboxy-terminal peptide bond with the Fab light chain constant region of the first antigen binding moiety (VL₍₂₎-CL₍₂₎-VH₍₁₎-CL₍₁₎).

The T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule according to these embodiments may further comprise (i) an Fc domain subunit polypeptide (CH2-CH3(—CH4)), or (ii) a polypeptide wherein the Fab heavy chain of a third antigen binding moiety shares a carboxy-terminal peptide bond with an Fc domain subunit (VH₍₃₎-CH1₍₃₎-CH2-CH3(—CH4)) and the Fab light chain polypeptide of a third antigen binding moiety (VL₍₃₎-CL₍₃₎). In certain embodiments the polypeptides are covalently linked, e.g., by a disulfide bond.

According to any of the above embodiments, components of the T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule (e.g. antigen binding moiety, Fc domain) may be fused directly or through various linkers, particularly peptide linkers comprising one or more amino acids, typically about 2-20 amino acids, that are described herein or are known in the art. Suitable, non-immunogenic peptide linkers include, for example, (G₄S)_(n), (SG₄)_(n), (G₄S)_(n) or G₄(SG₄)_(n) peptide linkers, wherein n is generally a number between 1 and 10, typically between 2 and 4.

Fc Domain

The Fc domain of the T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule consists of a pair of polypeptide chains comprising heavy chain domains of an immunoglobulin molecule. For example, the Fc domain of an immunoglobulin G (IgG) molecule is a dimer, each subunit of which comprises the CH2 and CH3 IgG heavy chain constant domains. The two subunits of the Fc domain are capable of stable association with each other. In one embodiment the T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule of the invention comprises not more than one Fc domain.

In one embodiment according the invention the Fc domain of the T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule is an IgG Fc domain. In a particular embodiment the Fc domain is an IgG₁ Fc domain. In another embodiment the Fc domain is an IgG₄ Fc domain. In a more specific embodiment, the Fc domain is an IgG₄ Fc domain comprising an amino acid substitution at position S228 (Kabat numbering), particularly the amino acid substitution S228P. This amino acid substitution reduces in vivo Fab arm exchange of IgG₄ antibodies (see Stubenrauch et al., Drug Metabolism and Disposition 38, 84-91 (2010)). In a further particular embodiment the Fc domain is human. An exemplary sequence of a human IgG₁ Fc region is given in SEQ ID NO: 107.

Fc Domain Modifications Promoting Heterodimerization

T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecules according to the invention comprise different antigen binding moieties, fused to one or the other of the two subunits of the Fc domain, thus the two subunits of the Fc domain are typically comprised in two non-identical polypeptide chains. Recombinant co-expression of these polypeptides and subsequent dimerization leads to several possible combinations of the two polypeptides. To improve the yield and purity of T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecules in recombinant production, it will thus be advantageous to introduce in the Fc domain of the T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule a modification promoting the association of the desired polypeptides.

Accordingly, in particular embodiments the Fc domain of the T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule according to the invention comprises a modification promoting the association of the first and the second subunit of the Fc domain. The site of most extensive protein-protein interaction between the two subunits of a human IgG Fc domain is in the CH3 domain of the Fc domain. Thus, in one embodiment said modification is in the CH3 domain of the Fc domain.

In a specific embodiment said modification is a so-called “knob-into-hole” modification, comprising a “knob” modification in one of the two subunits of the Fc domain and a “hole” modification in the other one of the two subunits of the Fc domain.

The knob-into-hole technology is described e.g. in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,731,168; 7,695,936; Ridgway et al., Prot Eng 9, 617-621 (1996) and Carter, J Immunol Meth 248, 7-15 (2001). Generally, the method involves introducing a protuberance (“knob”) at the interface of a first polypeptide and a corresponding cavity (“hole”) in the interface of a second polypeptide, such that the protuberance can be positioned in the cavity so as to promote heterodimer formation and hinder homodimer formation. Protuberances are constructed by replacing small amino acid side chains from the interface of the first polypeptide with larger side chains (e.g. tyrosine or tryptophan). Compensatory cavities of identical or similar size to the protuberances are created in the interface of the second polypeptide by replacing large amino acid side chains with smaller ones (e.g. alanine or threonine).

Accordingly, in a particular embodiment, in the CH3 domain of the first subunit of the Fc domain of the T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule an amino acid residue is replaced with an amino acid residue having a larger side chain volume, thereby generating a protuberance within the CH3 domain of the first subunit which is positionable in a cavity within the CH3 domain of the second subunit, and in the CH3 domain of the second subunit of the Fe domain an amino acid residue is replaced with an amino acid residue having a smaller side chain volume, thereby generating a cavity within the CH3 domain of the second subunit within which the protuberance within the CH3 domain of the first subunit is positionable.

The protuberance and cavity can be made by altering the nucleic acid encoding the polypeptides, e.g. by site-specific mutagenesis, or by peptide synthesis.

In a specific embodiment, in the CH3 domain of the first subunit of the Fc domain the threonine residue at position 366 is replaced with a tryptophan residue (T366W), and in the CH3 domain of the second subunit of the Fc domain the tyrosine residue at position 407 is replaced with a valine residue (Y407V). In one embodiment, in the second subunit of the Fc domain additionally the threonine residue at position 366 is replaced with a serine residue (T366S) and the leucine residue at position 368 is replaced with an alanine residue (L368A).

In yet a further embodiment, in the first subunit of the Fc domain additionally the serine residue at position 354 is replaced with a cysteine residue (S354C), and in the second subunit of the Fc domain additionally the tyrosine residue at position 349 is replaced by a cysteine residue (Y349C). Introduction of these two cysteine residues results in formation of a disulfide bridge between the two subunits of the Fc domain, further stabilizing the dimer (Carter, J Immunol Methods 248, 7-15 (2001)).

In a particular embodiment the antigen binding moiety capable of binding to CD3 is fused (optionally via the antigen binding moiety capable of binding to a target cell antigen) to the first subunit of the Fc domain (comprising the “knob” modification). Without wishing to be bound by theory, fusion of the antigen binding moiety capable of binding to CD3 to the knob-containing subunit of the Fc domain will (further) minimize the generation of antigen binding molecules comprising two antigen binding moieties capable of binding to CD3 (steric clash of two knob-containing polypeptides).

In an alternative embodiment a modification promoting association of the first and the second subunit of the Fc domain comprises a modification mediating electrostatic steering effects, e.g. as described in PCT publication WO 2009/089004. Generally, this method involves replacement of one or more amino acid residues at the interface of the two Fc domain subunits by charged amino acid residues so that homodimer formation becomes electrostatically unfavorable but heterodimerization electrostatically favorable.

Fc Domain Modifications Reducing Fc Receptor Binding and/or Effector Function

The Fc domain confers to the T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule favorable pharmacokinetic properties, including a long serum half-life which contributes to good accumulation in the target tissue and a favorable tissue-blood distribution ratio. At the same time it may, however, lead to undesirable targeting of the T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule to cells expressing Fc receptors rather than to the preferred antigen-bearing cells. Moreover, the co-activation of Fc receptor signaling pathways may lead to cytokine release which, in combination with the T cell activating properties and the long half-life of the antigen binding molecule, results in excessive activation of cytokine receptors and severe side effects upon systemic administration. Activation of (Fc receptor-bearing) immune cells other than T cells may even reduce efficacy of the T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule due to the potential destruction of T cells e.g. by NK cells.

Accordingly, in particular embodiments the Fc domain of the T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecules according to the invention exhibits reduced binding affinity to an Fc receptor and/or reduced effector function, as compared to a native IgG₁ Fc domain. In one such embodiment the Fc domain (or the T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule comprising said Fc domain) exhibits less than 50%, preferably less than 20%, more preferably less than 10% and most preferably less than 5% of the binding affinity to an Fc receptor, as compared to a native IgG₁ Fc domain (or a T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule comprising a native IgG₁ Fc domain), and/or less than 50%, preferably less than 20%, more preferably less than 10% and most preferably less than 5% of the effector function, as compared to a native IgG₁ Fc domain domain (or a T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule comprising a native IgG₁ Fc domain). In one embodiment, the Fc domain (or the T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule comprising said Fc domain) does not substantially bind to an Fc receptor and/or induce effector function. In a particular embodiment the Fc receptor is an Fcγ receptor. In one embodiment the Fc receptor is a human Fc receptor. In one embodiment the Fc receptor is an activating Fc receptor. In a specific embodiment the Fc receptor is an activating human Fcγ receptor, more specifically human FcγRIIIa, FcγRT or FcγRIIa, most specifically human FcγRIIIa. In one embodiment the effector function is one or more selected from the group of CDC, ADCC, ADCP, and cytokine secretion. In a particular embodiment the effector function is ADCC. In one embodiment the Fc domain domain exhibits substantially similar binding affinity to neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn), as compared to a native IgG₁ Fc domain domain. Substantially similar binding to FcRn is achieved when the Fc domain (or the T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule comprising said Fc domain) exhibits greater than about 70%, particularly greater than about 80%, more particularly greater than about 90% of the binding affinity of a native IgG₁ Fc domain (or the T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule comprising a native IgG₁ Fc domain) to FcRn.

In certain embodiments the Fc domain is engineered to have reduced binding affinity to an Fc receptor and/or reduced effector function, as compared to a non-engineered Fc domain. In particular embodiments, the Fc domain of the T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule comprises one or more amino acid mutation that reduces the binding affinity of the Fc domain to an Fc receptor and/or effector function. Typically, the same one or more amino acid mutation is present in each of the two subunits of the Fc domain. In one embodiment the amino acid mutation reduces the binding affinity of the Fc domain to an Fc receptor. In one embodiment the amino acid mutation reduces the binding affinity of the Fc domain to an Fc receptor by at least 2-fold, at least 5-fold, or at least 10-fold. In embodiments where there is more than one amino acid mutation that reduces the binding affinity of the Fc domain to the Fc receptor, the combination of these amino acid mutations may reduce the binding affinity of the Fc domain to an Fc receptor by at least 10-fold, at least 20-fold, or even at least 50-fold. In one embodiment the T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule comprising an engineered Fc domain exhibits less than 20%, particularly less than 10%, more particularly less than 5% of the binding affinity to an Fc receptor as compared to a T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule comprising a non-engineered Fc domain.

In a particular embodiment the Fc receptor is an Fcγ receptor. In some embodiments the Fc receptor is a human Fc receptor. In some embodiments the Fc receptor is an activating Fc receptor.

In a specific embodiment the Fc receptor is an activating human Fcγ receptor, more specifically human FcγRIIIa, FcγRI or FcγRIIa, most specifically human FcγRIIIa. Preferably, binding to each of these receptors is reduced. In some embodiments binding affinity to a complement component, specifically binding affinity to C1q, is also reduced. In one embodiment binding affinity to neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) is not reduced. Substantially similar binding to FcRn, i.e. preservation of the binding affinity of the Fc domain to said receptor, is achieved when the Fc domain (or the T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule comprising said Fc domain) exhibits greater than about 70% of the binding affinity of a non-engineered form of the Fc domain (or the T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule comprising said non-engineered form of the Fc domain) to FcRn. The Fc domain, or T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecules of the invention comprising said Fc domain, may exhibit greater than about 80% and even greater than about 90% of such affinity. In certain embodiments the Fc domain of the T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule is engineered to have reduced effector function, as compared to a non-engineered Fc domain. The reduced effector function can include, but is not limited to, one or more of the following: reduced complement dependent cytotoxicity (CDC), reduced antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC), reduced antibody-dependent cellular phagocytosis (ADCP), reduced cytokine secretion, reduced immune complex-mediated antigen uptake by antigen-presenting cells, reduced binding to NK cells, reduced binding to macrophages, reduced binding to monocytes, reduced binding to polymorphonuclear cells, reduced direct signaling inducing apoptosis, reduced crosslinking of target-bound antibodies, reduced dendritic cell maturation, or reduced T cell priming. In one embodiment the reduced effector function is one or more selected from the group of reduced CDC, reduced ADCC, reduced ADCP, and reduced cytokine secretion. In a particular embodiment the reduced effector function is reduced ADCC. In one embodiment the reduced ADCC is less than 20% of the ADCC induced by a non-engineered Fc domain (or a T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule comprising a non-engineered Fc domain).

In one embodiment the amino acid mutation that reduces the binding affinity of the Fc domain to an Fc receptor and/or effector function is an amino acid substitution. In one embodiment the Fc domain comprises an amino acid substitution at a position selected from the group of E233, L234, L235, N297, P331 and P329. In a more specific embodiment the Fc domain comprises an amino acid substitution at a position selected from the group of L234, L235 and P329. In some embodiments the Fc domain comprises the amino acid substitutions L234A and L235A. In one such embodiment, the Fc domain is an IgG₁ Fc domain, particularly a human IgG₁ Fc domain. In one embodiment the Fc domain comprises an amino acid substitution at position P329. In a more specific embodiment the amino acid substitution is P329A or P329G, particularly P329G. In one embodiment the Fc domain comprises an amino acid substitution at position P329 and a further amino acid substitution at a position selected from E233, L234, L235, N297 and P331. In a more specific embodiment the further amino acid substitution is E233P, L234A, L235A, L235E, N297A, N297D or P331S. In particular embodiments the Fc domain comprises amino acid substitutions at positions P329, L234 and L235. In more particular embodiments the Fc domain comprises the amino acid mutations L234A, L235A and P329G (“P329G LALA”). In one such embodiment, the Fc domain is an IgG₁ Fc domain, particularly a human IgG₁ Fc domain. The “P329G LALA” combination of amino acid substitutions almost completely abolishes Fcγ receptor (as well as complement) binding of a human IgG₁ Fc domain, as described in PCT publication no. WO 2012/130831, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. WO 2012/130831 also describes methods of preparing such mutant Fc domains and methods for determining its properties such as Fc receptor binding or effector functions.

IgG₄ antibodies exhibit reduced binding affinity to Fc receptors and reduced effector functions as compared to IgG₁ antibodies. Hence, in some embodiments the Fc domain of the T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecules of the invention is an IgG₄ Fc domain, particularly a human IgG₄ Fc domain. In one embodiment the IgG₄ Fc domain comprises amino acid substitutions at position S228, specifically the amino acid substitution S228P. To further reduce its binding affinity to an Fc receptor and/or its effector function, in one embodiment the IgG₄ Fc domain comprises an amino acid substitution at position L235, specifically the amino acid substitution L235E. In another embodiment, the IgG₄ Fc domain comprises an amino acid substitution at position P329, specifically the amino acid substitution P329G. In a particular embodiment, the IgG₄ Fc domain comprises amino acid substitutions at positions S228, L235 and P329, specifically amino acid substitutions S228P, L235E and P329G. Such IgG₄ Fc domain mutants and their Fcγ receptor binding properties are described in PCT publication no. WO 2012/130831, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

In a particular embodiment the Fc domain exhibiting reduced binding affinity to an Fc receptor and/or reduced effector function, as compared to a native IgG₁ Fc domain, is a human IgG₁ Fc domain comprising the amino acid substitutions L234A, L235A and optionally P329G, or a human IgG₄ Fc domain comprising the amino acid substitutions S228P, L235E and optionally P329G.

In certain embodiments N-glycosylation of the Fe domain has been eliminated. In one such embodiment the Fe domain comprises an amino acid mutation at position N297, particularly an amino acid substitution replacing asparagine by alanine (N297A) or aspartic acid (N297D).

In addition to the Fc domains described hereinabove and in PCT publication no. WO 2012/130831, Fc domains with reduced Fc receptor binding and/or effector function also include those with substitution of one or more of Fc domain residues 238, 265, 269, 270, 297, 327 and 329 (U.S. Pat. No. 6,737,056). Such Fc mutants include Fc mutants with substitutions at two or more of amino acid positions 265, 269, 270, 297 and 327, including the so-called “DANA” Fc mutant with substitution of residues 265 and 297 to alanine (U.S. Pat. No. 7,332,581).

Mutant Fc domains can be prepared by amino acid deletion, substitution, insertion or modification using genetic or chemical methods well known in the art. Genetic methods may include site-specific mutagenesis of the encoding DNA sequence, PCR, gene synthesis, and the like. The correct nucleotide changes can be verified for example by sequencing.

Binding to Fc receptors can be easily determined e.g. by ELISA, or by Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) using standard instrumentation such as a BIAcore instrument (GE Healthcare), and Fc receptors such as may be obtained by recombinant expression. A suitable such binding assay is described herein. Alternatively, binding affinity of Fc domains or cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecules comprising an Fc domain for Fc receptors may be evaluated using cell lines known to express particular Fc receptors, such as human NK cells expressing FcγIIIa receptor.

Effector function of an Fc domain, or a T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule comprising an Fc domain, can be measured by methods known in the art. A suitable assay for measuring ADCC is described herein. Other examples of in vitro assays to assess ADCC activity of a molecule of interest are described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,500,362; Hellstrom et al. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 83, 7059-7063 (1986) and Hellstrom et al., Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 82, 1499-1502 (1985); U.S. Pat. No. 5,821,337; Bruggemann et al., J Exp Med 166, 1351-1361 (1987). Alternatively, non-radioactive assays methods may be employed (see, for example, ACTI™ non-radioactive cytotoxicity assay for flow cytometry (CellTechnology, Inc. Mountain View, Calif.); and CytoTox 96® non-radioactive cytotoxicity assay (Promega, Madison, Wis.)). Useful effector cells for such assays include peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and Natural Killer (NK) cells. Alternatively, or additionally, ADCC activity of the molecule of interest may be assessed in vivo, e.g. in a animal model such as that disclosed in Clynes et al., Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 95, 652-656 (1998).

In some embodiments, binding of the Fc domain to a complement component, specifically to C1q, is reduced. Accordingly, in some embodiments wherein the Fc domain is engineered to have reduced effector function, said reduced effector function includes reduced CDC. C1q binding assays may be carried out to determine whether the T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule is able to bind C1q and hence has CDC activity. See e.g., C1q and C3c binding ELISA in WO 2006/029879 and WO 2005/100402. To assess complement activation, a CDC assay may be performed (see, for example, Gazzano-Santoro et al., J Immunol Methods 202, 163 (1996); Cragg et al., Blood 101, 1045-1052 (2003); and Cragg and Glennie, Blood 103, 2738-2743 (2004)).

Antigen Binding Moieties

The antigen binding molecule of the invention is bispecific, i.e. it comprises at least two antigen binding moieties capable of specific binding to two distinct antigenic determinants. According to the invention, the antigen binding moieties are Fab molecules (i.e. antigen binding domains composed of a heavy and a light chain, each comprising a variable and a constant region). In one embodiment said Fab molecules are human. In another embodiment said Fab molecules are humanized. In yet another embodiment said Fab molecules comprise human heavy and light chain constant regions.

At least one of the antigen binding moieties is a crossover Fab molecule. Such modification prevent mispairing of heavy and light chains from different Fab molecules, thereby improving the yield and purity of the T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule of the invention in recombinant production. In a particular crossover Fab molecule useful for the T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule of the invention, the constant regions of the Fab light chain and the Fab heavy chain are exchanged. In another crossover Fab molecule useful for the T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule of the invention, the variable regions of the Fab light chain and the Fab heavy chain are exchanged.

In a particular embodiment according to the invention, the T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule is capable of simultaneous binding to a target cell antigen, particularly a tumor cell antigen, and CD3. In one embodiment, the T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule is capable of crosslinking a T cell and a target cell by simultaneous binding to a target cell antigen and CD3. In an even more particular embodiment, such simultaneous binding results in lysis of the target cell, particularly a tumor cell. In one embodiment, such simultaneous binding results in activation of the T cell. In other embodiments, such simultaneous binding results in a cellular response of a T lymphocyte, particularly a cytotoxic T lymphocyte, selected from the group of: proliferation, differentiation, cytokine secretion, cytotoxic effector molecule release, cytotoxic activity, and expression of activation markers. In one embodiment, binding of the T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule to CD3 without simultaneous binding to the target cell antigen does not result in T cell activation.

In one embodiment, the T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule is capable of re-directing cytotoxic activity of a T cell to a target cell. In a particular embodiment, said re-direction is independent of MHC-mediated peptide antigen presentation by the target cell and and/or specificity of the T cell.

Particularly, a T cell according to any of the embodiments of the invention is a cytotoxic T cell. In some embodiments the T cell is a CD4⁺ or a CD8⁺ T cell, particularly a CD8⁺ T cell.

CD3 Binding Moiety

The T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule of the invention comprises at least one antigen binding moiety capable of binding to CD3 (also referred to herein as an “CD3 antigen binding moiety” or “first antigen binding moiety”). In a particular embodiment, the T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule comprises not more than one antigen binding moiety capable of specific binding to CD3. In one embodiment the T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule provides monovalent binding to CD3. The CD3 antigen binding is a crossover Fab molecule, i.e. a Fab molecule wherein either the variable or the constant regions of the Fab heavy and light chains are exchanged. In embodiments where there is more than one antigen binding moiety capable of specific binding to a target cell antigen comprised in the T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule, the antigen binding moiety capable of specific binding to CD3 preferably is a crossover Fab molecule and the antigen binding moieties capable of specific binding to a target cell antigen are conventional Fab molecules.

In a particular embodiment CD3 is human CD3 (SEQ ID NO: 103) or cynomolgus CD3 (SEQ ID NO: 104), most particularly human CD3. In a particular embodiment the CD3 antigen binding moiety is cross-reactive for (i.e. specifically binds to) human and cynomolgus CD3. In some embodiments, the first antigen binding moiety is capable of specific binding to the epsilon subunit of CD3.

The CD3 antigen binding moiety comprises at least one heavy chain complementarity determining region (CDR) selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 4, SEQ ID NO: 5 and SEQ ID NO: 6 and at least one light chain CDR selected from the group of SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO: 9, SEQ ID NO: 10.

In one embodiment the CD3 antigen binding moiety comprises the heavy chain CDR1 of SEQ ID NO: 4, the heavy chain CDR2 of SEQ ID NO: 5, the heavy chain CDR3 of SEQ ID NO: 6, the light chain CDR1 of SEQ ID NO: 8, the light chain CDR2 of SEQ ID NO: 9, and the light chain CDR3 of SEQ ID NO: 10.

In one embodiment the CD3 antigen binding moiety comprises a heavy chain variable region sequence that is at least about 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to an amino acid sequence selected from the group of: SEQ ID NO: 3, SEQ ID NO: 32 and SEQ ID NO: 33, and a light chain variable region sequence that is at least about 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to an amino acid sequence selected from the group of: SEQ ID NO: 7 and SEQ ID NO: 31.

In one embodiment the CD3 antigen binding moiety comprises a heavy chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence selected from the group of: SEQ ID NO: 3, SEQ ID NO: 32 and SEQ ID NO: 33 and a light chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence selected from the group of: SEQ ID NO: 7 and SEQ ID NO: 31.

In one embodiment the CD3 antigen binding moiety comprises a heavy chain variable region sequence that is at least about 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 3 and a light chain variable region sequence that is at least about 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 7.

In one embodiment the CD3 antigen binding moiety comprises a heavy chain variable region comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 3 and a light chain variable region comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 7.

In one embodiment the CD3 antigen binding moiety comprises the heavy chain variable region sequence of SEQ ID NO: 3 and the light chain variable region sequence of SEQ ID NO: 7.

Target Cell Antigen Binding Moiety

The T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule of the invention comprises at least one antigen binding moiety capable of binding to a target cell antigen (also referred to herein as an “target cell antigen binding moiety” or “second” or “third” antigen binding moiety). In certain embodiments, the T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule comprises two antigen binding moieties capable of binding to a target cell antigen. In a particular such embodiment, each of these antigen binding moieties specifically binds to the same antigenic determinant. In an even more particular embodiment, all of these antigen binding moieties are identical. In one embodiment, the T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule comprises an immunoglobulin molecule capable of specific binding to a target cell antigen. In one embodiment the T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule comprises not more than two antigen binding moieties capable of binding to a target cell antigen.

The target cell antigen binding moiety is generally a Fab molecule, particularly a conventional Fab molecule that binds to a specific antigenic determinant and is able to direct the T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule to a target site, for example to a specific type of tumor cell that bears the antigenic determinant.

In certain embodiments the target cell antigen binding moiety specifically binds to a cell surface antigen. In a particular embodiment the target cell antigen binding moiety specifically binds to a membrane-proximal region of a cell surface antigen. In a specific such embodiment the cell surface antigen is Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA) and the membrane-proximal region is the B3 domain of CEA (residues 208-286 of SEQ ID NO: 119). In another specific such embodiment the cell surface antigen is Melanoma-associated Chondroitin Sulfate Proteoglycan (MCSP) and the membrane-proximal region is the D3 domain of MSCP (SEQ ID NO: 118).

In certain embodiments the target cell antigen binding moiety is directed to an antigen associated with a pathological condition, such as an antigen presented on a tumor cell or on a virus-infected cell. Suitable antigens are cell surface antigens, for example, but not limited to, cell surface receptors. In particular embodiments the antigen is a human antigen. In a specific embodiment the target cell antigen is selected from Melanoma-associated Chondroitin Sulfate Proteoglycan (MCSP, CSPG4) and Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA, CEACAM5).

In some embodiments the T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule comprises at least one antigen binding moiety that is specific for Melanoma-associated Chondroitin Sulfate Proteoglycan (MCSP). In one embodiment, the antigen binding moiety that is specific for MCSP comprises at least one heavy chain complementarity determining region (CDR) selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO: 15, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 35, SEQ ID NO: 37, SEQ ID NO: 38 and SEQ ID NO: 40 and at least one light chain CDR selected from the group of SEQ ID NO: 18, SEQ ID NO: 19, SEQ ID NO: 20, SEQ ID NO: 44, SEQ ID NO: 45, SEQ ID NO: 48, SEQ ID NO: 49 and SEQ ID NO: 50.

In one embodiment, the antigen binding moiety that is specific for MCSP comprises at least one heavy chain complementarity determining region (CDR) selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO: 15 and SEQ ID NO: 16 and at least one light chain CDR selected from the group of SEQ ID NO: 18, SEQ ID NO: 19 and SEQ ID NO: 20.

In one embodiment, the antigen binding moiety that is specific for MCSP comprises the heavy chain CDR1 of SEQ ID NO: 14, the heavy chain CDR2 of SEQ ID NO: 15, the heavy chain CDR3 of SEQ ID NO: 16, the light chain CDR1 of SEQ ID NO: 18, the light chain CDR2 of SEQ ID NO: 19, and the light chain CDR3 of SEQ ID NO: 20.

In a further embodiment, the antigen binding moiety that is specific for MCSP comprises a heavy chain variable region sequence that is at least about 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to an amino acid sequence selected from the group of SEQ ID NO: 13, SEQ ID NO: 34, SEQ ID NO: 36, SEQ ID NO: 39 and SEQ ID NO: 41 and a light chain variable region sequence that is at least about 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to an amino acid sequence selected from the group of SEQ ID NO: 17, SEQ ID NO: 43, SEQ ID NO: 46, SEQ ID NO: 47 and SEQ ID NO: 51.

In a further embodiment, the antigen binding moiety that is specific for MCSP comprises a heavy chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence selected from the group of SEQ ID NO: 13, SEQ ID NO: 34, SEQ ID NO: 36, SEQ ID NO: 39 and SEQ ID NO: 41 and a light chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence selected from the group of SEQ ID NO: 17, SEQ ID NO: 43, SEQ ID NO: 46, SEQ ID NO: 47 and SEQ ID NO: 51.

In a further embodiment, the antigen binding moiety that is specific for MCSP comprises a heavy chain variable region sequence that is at least about 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO:13 and a light chain variable region sequence that is at least about 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 17 or variants thereof that retain functionality.

In one embodiment, the antigen binding moiety that is specific for MCSP comprises a heavy chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 13 and a light chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 17.

In one embodiment, the antigen binding moiety that is specific for MCSP comprises the heavy chain variable region sequence of SEQ ID NO: 13 and the light chain variable region sequence of SEQ ID NO: 17.

In one embodiment the T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule comprises a polypeptide sequence that is at least about 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 12, a polypeptide sequence that is at least about 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 53, a polypeptide sequence that is at least about 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 54, and a polypeptide sequence that is at least about 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 55.

In particular embodiments the T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule comprises at least one antigen binding moiety that is specific for Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA). In one embodiment, the antigen binding moiety that is specific for CEA comprises at least one heavy chain complementarity determining region (CDR) selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 24, SEQ ID NO: 25 and SEQ ID NO: 26 and at least one light chain CDR selected from the group of SEQ ID NO: 28, SEQ ID NO: 29 and SEQ ID NO: 30.

In one embodiment, the antigen binding moiety that is specific for CEA comprises the heavy chain CDR1 of SEQ ID NO: 24, the heavy chain CDR2 of SEQ ID NO: 25, the heavy chain CDR3 of SEQ ID NO: 26, the light chain CDR1 of SEQ ID NO: 28, the light chain CDR2 of SEQ ID NO: 29, and the light chain CDR3 of SEQ ID NO: 30.

In a further embodiment, the antigen binding moiety that is specific for CEA comprises a heavy chain variable region sequence that is at least about 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 23 and a light chain variable region sequence that is at least about 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 27, or variants thereof that retain functionality.

In one embodiment, the antigen binding moiety that is specific for CEA comprises a heavy chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 23 and a light chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 27.

In one embodiment, the antigen binding moiety that is specific for CEA comprises the heavy chain variable region sequence of SEQ ID NO: 23 and the light chain variable region sequence of SEQ ID NO: 27.

In one embodiment the T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule comprises a polypeptide sequence that is at least about 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 22, a polypeptide sequence that is at least about 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 56, a polypeptide sequence that is at least about 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 57, and a polypeptide sequence that is at least about 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 58.

Polynucleotides

The invention further provides isolated polynucleotides encoding a T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule as described herein or a fragment thereof. In some embodiments, said fragment is an antigen binding fragment.

Polynucleotides of the invention include those that are at least about 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOs 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97 and 98 including functional fragments or variants thereof.

The polynucleotides encoding T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecules of the invention may be expressed as a single polynucleotide that encodes the entire T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule or as multiple (e.g., two or more) polynucleotides that are co-expressed. Polypeptides encoded by polynucleotides that are co-expressed may associate through, e.g., disulfide bonds or other means to form a functional T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule. For example, the light chain portion of an antigen binding moiety may be encoded by a separate polynucleotide from the portion of the T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule comprising the heavy chain portion of the antigen binding moiety, an Fc domain subunit and optionally (part of) another antigen binding moiety. When co-expressed, the heavy chain polypeptides will associate with the light chain polypeptides to form the antigen binding moiety. In another example, the portion of the T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule comprising one of the two Fc domain subunits and optionally (part of) one or more antigen binding moieties could be encoded by a separate polynucleotide from the portion of the T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule comprising the other of the two Fc domain subunits and optionally (part of) an antigen binding moiety. When co-expressed, the Fc domain subunits will associate to form the Fc domain.

In some embodiments, the isolated polynucleotide encodes the entire T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule according to the invention as described herein. In other embodiments, the isolated polynucleotide encodes a polypeptides comprised in the T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule according to the invention as described herein.

In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to an isolated polynucleotide encoding a T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule of the invention or a fragment thereof, wherein the polynucleotide comprises a sequence that encodes a variable region sequence as shown in SEQ ID NOs 3, 7, 13, 17, 23, 27, 31, 32, 33, 34, 36, 39, 41, 43, 46, 47 or 51 In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to an isolated polynucleotide encoding a T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule or fragment thereof, wherein the polynucleotide comprises a sequence that encodes a polypeptide sequence as shown in SEQ ID NOs 22, 56, 57, 58, 12, 53, 54 and 55 In another embodiment, the invention is further directed to an isolated polynucleotide encoding a T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule of the invention or a fragment thereof, wherein the polynucleotide comprises a sequence that is at least about 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% identical to the nucleotide sequence shown in SEQ ID NOs 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97 or 98. In another embodiment, the invention is directed to an isolated polynucleotide encoding a T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule of the invention or a fragment thereof, wherein the polynucleotide comprises the nucleic acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NOs 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97 or 98. In another embodiment, the invention is directed to an isolated polynucleotide encoding a T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule of the invention or a fragment thereof, wherein the polynucleotide comprises a sequence that encodes a variable region sequence that is at least about 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% identical to the amino acid sequence in SEQ ID NOs 3, 7, 13, 17, 23, 27, 31, 32, 33, 34, 36, 39, 41, 43, 46, 47 or 51. In another embodiment, the invention is directed to an isolated polynucleotide encoding a T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule or a fragment thereof, wherein the polynucleotide comprises a sequence that encodes a polypeptide sequence that is at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% identical to the amino acid sequence in SEQ ID NOs 22, 56, 57, 58, 12, 53, 54 or 55. The invention encompasses an isolated polynucleotide encoding a T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule of the invention or a fragment thereof, wherein the polynucleotide comprises a sequence that encodes the variable region sequence of SEQ ID NOs SEQ ID NOs 3, 7, 13, 17, 23, 27, 31, 32, 33, 34, 36, 39, 41, 43, 46, 47 or 51 with conservative amino acid substitutions. The invention also encompasses an isolated polynucleotide encoding a T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule of the invention or a fragment thereof, wherein the polynucleotide comprises a sequence that encodes the polypeptide sequence of SEQ ID NOs 22, 56, 57, 58, 12, 53, 54 or 55 with conservative amino acid substitutions.

In certain embodiments the polynucleotide or nucleic acid is DNA. In other embodiments, a polynucleotide of the present invention is RNA, for example, in the form of messenger RNA (mRNA). RNA of the present invention may be single stranded or double stranded.

Recombinant Methods

T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecules of the invention may be obtained, for example, by solid-state peptide synthesis (e.g. Merrifield solid phase synthesis) or recombinant production. For recombinant production one or more polynucleotide encoding the T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule (fragment), e.g., as described above, is isolated and inserted into one or more vectors for further cloning and/or expression in a host cell. Such polynucleotide may be readily isolated and sequenced using conventional procedures. In one embodiment a vector, preferably an expression vector, comprising one or more of the polynucleotides of the invention is provided. Methods which are well known to those skilled in the art can be used to construct expression vectors containing the coding sequence of a T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule (fragment) along with appropriate transcriptional/translational control signals. These methods include in vitro recombinant DNA techniques, synthetic techniques and in vivo recombination/genetic recombination. See, for example, the techniques described in Maniatis et al., MOLECULAR CLONING: A LABORATORY MANUAL, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, N.Y. (1989); and Ausubel et al., CURRENT PROTOCOLS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY, Greene Publishing Associates and Wiley Interscience, N.Y (1989). The expression vector can be part of a plasmid, virus, or may be a nucleic acid fragment. The expression vector includes an expression cassette into which the polynucleotide encoding the T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule (fragment) (i.e. the coding region) is cloned in operable association with a promoter and/or other transcription or translation control elements. As used herein, a “coding region” is a portion of nucleic acid which consists of codons translated into amino acids. Although a “stop codon” (TAG, TGA, or TAA) is not translated into an amino acid, it may be considered to be part of a coding region, if present, but any flanking sequences, for example promoters, ribosome binding sites, transcriptional terminators, introns, 5′ and 3′ untranslated regions, and the like, are not part of a coding region. Two or more coding regions can be present in a single polynucleotide construct, e.g. on a single vector, or in separate polynucleotide constructs, e.g. on separate (different) vectors. Furthermore, any vector may contain a single coding region, or may comprise two or more coding regions, e.g. a vector of the present invention may encode one or more polypeptides, which are post- or co-translationally separated into the final proteins via proteolytic cleavage. In addition, a vector, polynucleotide, or nucleic acid of the invention may encode heterologous coding regions, either fused or unfused to a polynucleotide encoding the T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule (fragment) of the invention, or variant or derivative thereof. Heterologous coding regions include without limitation specialized elements or motifs, such as a secretory signal peptide or a heterologous functional domain. An operable association is when a coding region for a gene product, e.g. a polypeptide, is associated with one or more regulatory sequences in such a way as to place expression of the gene product under the influence or control of the regulatory sequence(s). Two DNA fragments (such as a polypeptide coding region and a promoter associated therewith) are “operably associated” if induction of promoter function results in the transcription of mRNA encoding the desired gene product and if the nature of the linkage between the two DNA fragments does not interfere with the ability of the expression regulatory sequences to direct the expression of the gene product or interfere with the ability of the DNA template to be transcribed.

Thus, a promoter region would be operably associated with a nucleic acid encoding a polypeptide if the promoter was capable of effecting transcription of that nucleic acid. The promoter may be a cell-specific promoter that directs substantial transcription of the DNA only in predetermined cells. Other transcription control elements, besides a promoter, for example enhancers, operators, repressors, and transcription termination signals, can be operably associated with the polynucleotide to direct cell-specific transcription. Suitable promoters and other transcription control regions are disclosed herein. A variety of transcription control regions are known to those skilled in the art. These include, without limitation, transcription control regions, which function in vertebrate cells, such as, but not limited to, promoter and enhancer segments from cytomegaloviruses (e.g. the immediate early promoter, in conjunction with intron-A), simian virus 40 (e.g. the early promoter), and retroviruses (such as, e.g. Rous sarcoma virus). Other transcription control regions include those derived from vertebrate genes such as actin, heat shock protein, bovine growth hormone and rabbit â-globin, as well as other sequences capable of controlling gene expression in eukaryotic cells. Additional suitable transcription control regions include tissue-specific promoters and enhancers as well as inducible promoters (e.g. promoters inducible tetracyclins). Similarly, a variety of translation control elements are known to those of ordinary skill in the art. These include, but are not limited to ribosome binding sites, translation initiation and termination codons, and elements derived from viral systems (particularly an internal ribosome entry site, or IRES, also referred to as a CITE sequence). The expression cassette may also include other features such as an origin of replication, and/or chromosome integration elements such as retroviral long terminal repeats (LTRs), or adeno-associated viral (AAV) inverted terminal repeats (ITRs).

Polynucleotide and nucleic acid coding regions of the present invention may be associated with additional coding regions which encode secretory or signal peptides, which direct the secretion of a polypeptide encoded by a polynucleotide of the present invention. For example, if secretion of the T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule is desired, DNA encoding a signal sequence may be placed upstream of the nucleic acid encoding a T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule of the invention or a fragment thereof. According to the signal hypothesis, proteins secreted by mammalian cells have a signal peptide or secretory leader sequence which is cleaved from the mature protein once export of the growing protein chain across the rough endoplasmic reticulum has been initiated. Those of ordinary skill in the art are aware that polypeptides secreted by vertebrate cells generally have a signal peptide fused to the N-terminus of the polypeptide, which is cleaved from the translated polypeptide to produce a secreted or “mature” form of the polypeptide. In certain embodiments, the native signal peptide, e.g. an immunoglobulin heavy chain or light chain signal peptide is used, or a functional derivative of that sequence that retains the ability to direct the secretion of the polypeptide that is operably associated with it. Alternatively, a heterologous mammalian signal peptide, or a functional derivative thereof, may be used. For example, the wild-type leader sequence may be substituted with the leader sequence of human tissue plasminogen activator (TPA) or mouse 0-glucuronidase. Exemplary amino acid and polynucleotide sequences of secretory signal peptides are given in SEQ ID NOs 108-116.

DNA encoding a short protein sequence that could be used to facilitate later purification (e.g. a histidine tag) or assist in labeling the T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule may be included within or at the ends of the T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule (fragment) encoding polynucleotide.

In a further embodiment, a host cell comprising one or more polynucleotides of the invention is provided. In certain embodiments a host cell comprising one or more vectors of the invention is provided. The polynucleotides and vectors may incorporate any of the features, singly or in combination, described herein in relation to polynucleotides and vectors, respectively. In one such embodiment a host cell comprises (e.g. has been transformed or transfected with) a vector comprising a polynucleotide that encodes (part of) a T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule of the invention. As used herein, the term “host cell” refers to any kind of cellular system which can be engineered to generate the T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecules of the invention or fragments thereof. Host cells suitable for replicating and for supporting expression of T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecules are well known in the art. Such cells may be transfected or transduced as appropriate with the particular expression vector and large quantities of vector containing cells can be grown for seeding large scale fermenters to obtain sufficient quantities of the T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule for clinical applications. Suitable host cells include prokaryotic microorganisms, such as E. coli, or various eukaryotic cells, such as Chinese hamster ovary cells (CHO), insect cells, or the like. For example, polypeptides may be produced in bacteria in particular when glycosylation is not needed. After expression, the polypeptide may be isolated from the bacterial cell paste in a soluble fraction and can be further purified. In addition to prokaryotes, eukaryotic microbes such as filamentous fungi or yeast are suitable cloning or expression hosts for polypeptide-encoding vectors, including fungi and yeast strains whose glycosylation pathways have been “humanized”, resulting in the production of a polypeptide with a partially or fully human glycosylation pattern. See Gerngross, Nat Biotech 22, 1409-1414 (2004), and Li et al., Nat Biotech 24, 210-215 (2006). Suitable host cells for the expression of (glycosylated) polypeptides are also derived from multicellular organisms (invertebrates and vertebrates). Examples of invertebrate cells include plant and insect cells. Numerous baculoviral strains have been identified which may be used in conjunction with insect cells, particularly for transfection of Spodoptera frugiperda cells. Plant cell cultures can also be utilized as hosts. See e.g. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,959,177, 6,040,498, 6,420,548, 7,125,978, and 6,417,429 (describing PLANTIBODIES™ technology for producing antibodies in transgenic plants). Vertebrate cells may also be used as hosts. For example, mammalian cell lines that are adapted to grow in suspension may be useful. Other examples of useful mammalian host cell lines are monkey kidney CV1 line transformed by SV40 (COS-7); human embryonic kidney line (293 or 293T cells as described, e.g., in Graham et al., J Gen Virol 36, 59 (1977)), baby hamster kidney cells (BHK), mouse sertoli cells (TM4 cells as described, e.g., in Mather, Biol Reprod 23, 243-251 (1980)), monkey kidney cells (CV1), African green monkey kidney cells (VERO-76), human cervical carcinoma cells (HELA), canine kidney cells (MDCK), buffalo rat liver cells (BRL 3A), human lung cells (W138), human liver cells (Hep G2), mouse mammary tumor cells (MMT 060562), TRI cells (as described, e.g., in Mather et al., Annals N.Y. Acad Sci 383, 44-68 (1982)), MRC 5 cells, and FS4 cells. Other useful mammalian host cell lines include Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells, including dhfr CHO cells (Urlaub et al., Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 77, 4216 (1980)); and myeloma cell lines such as YO, NS0, P3X63 and Sp2/0. For a review of certain mammalian host cell lines suitable for protein production, see, e.g., Yazaki and Wu, Methods in Molecular Biology, Vol. 248 (B. K. C. Lo, ed., Humana Press, Totowa, N.J.), pp. 255-268 (2003). Host cells include cultured cells, e.g., mammalian cultured cells, yeast cells, insect cells, bacterial cells and plant cells, to name only a few, but also cells comprised within a transgenic animal, transgenic plant or cultured plant or animal tissue. In one embodiment, the host cell is a eukaryotic cell, preferably a mammalian cell, such as a Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cell, a human embryonic kidney (HEK) cell or a lymphoid cell (e.g., YO, NS0, Sp20 cell).

Standard technologies are known in the art to express foreign genes in these systems. Cells expressing a polypeptide comprising either the heavy or the light chain of an antigen binding domain such as an antibody, may be engineered so as to also express the other of the antibody chains such that the expressed product is an antibody that has both a heavy and a light chain.

In one embodiment, a method of producing a T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule according to the invention is provided, wherein the method comprises culturing a host cell comprising a polynucleotide encoding the T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule, as provided herein, under conditions suitable for expression of the T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule, and recovering the T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule from the host cell (or host cell culture medium).

The components of the T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule are genetically fused to each other. T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule can be designed such that its components are fused directly to each other or indirectly through a linker sequence. The composition and length of the linker may be determined in accordance with methods well known in the art and may be tested for efficacy. Examples of linker sequences between different components of T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecules are found in the sequences provided herein. Additional sequences may also be included to incorporate a cleavage site to separate the individual components of the fusion if desired, for example an endopeptidase recognition sequence.

In certain embodiments the one or more antigen binding moieties of the T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecules comprise at least an antibody variable region capable of binding an antigenic determinant. Variable regions can form part of and be derived from naturally or non-naturally occurring antibodies and fragments thereof. Methods to produce polyclonal antibodies and monoclonal antibodies are well known in the art (see e.g. Harlow and Lane, “Antibodies, a laboratory manual”, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, 1988). Non-naturally occurring antibodies can be constructed using solid phase-peptide synthesis, can be produced recombinantly (e.g. as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,186,567) or can be obtained, for example, by screening combinatorial libraries comprising variable heavy chains and variable light chains (see e.g. U.S. Pat. No. 5,969,108 to McCafferty).

Any animal species of antibody, antibody fragment, antigen binding domain or variable region can be used in the T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecules of the invention. Non-limiting antibodies, antibody fragments, antigen binding domains or variable regions useful in the present invention can be of murine, primate, or human origin. If the T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule is intended for human use, a chimeric form of antibody may be used wherein the constant regions of the antibody are from a human. A humanized or fully human form of the antibody can also be prepared in accordance with methods well known in the art (see e. g. U.S. Pat. No. 5,565,332 to Winter). Humanization may be achieved by various methods including, but not limited to (a) grafting the non-human (e.g., donor antibody) CDRs onto human (e.g. recipient antibody) framework and constant regions with or without retention of critical framework residues (e.g. those that are important for retaining good antigen binding affinity or antibody functions), (b) grafting only the non-human specificity-determining regions (SDRs or a-CDRs; the residues critical for the antibody-antigen interaction) onto human framework and constant regions, or (c) transplanting the entire non-human variable domains, but “cloaking” them with a human-like section by replacement of surface residues. Humanized antibodies and methods of making them are reviewed, e.g., in Almagro and Fransson, Front Biosci 13, 1619-1633 (2008), and are further described, e.g., in Riechmann et al., Nature 332, 323-329 (1988); Queen et al., Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 86, 10029-10033 (1989); U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,821,337, 7,527,791, 6,982,321, and 7,087,409; Jones et al., Nature 321, 522-525 (1986); Morrison et al., Proc Natl Acad Sci 81, 6851-6855 (1984); Morrison and Oi, Adv Immunol 44, 65-92 (1988); Verhoeyen et al., Science 239, 1534-1536 (1988); Padlan, Molec Immun 31(3), 169-217 (1994); Kashmiri et al., Methods 36, 25-34 (2005) (describing SDR (a-CDR) grafting); Padlan, Mol Immunol 28, 489-498 (1991) (describing “resurfacing”); Dall'Acqua et al., Methods 36, 43-60 (2005) (describing “FR shuffling”); and Osbourn et al., Methods 36, 61-68 (2005) and Klimka et al., Br J Cancer 83, 252-260 (2000) (describing the “guided selection” approach to FR shuffling). Human antibodies and human variable regions can be produced using various techniques known in the art. Human antibodies are described generally in van Dijk and van de Winkel, Curr Opin Pharmacol 5, 368-74 (2001) and Lonberg, Curr Opin Immunol 20, 450-459 (2008). Human variable regions can form part of and be derived from human monoclonal antibodies made by the hybridoma method (see e.g. Monoclonal Antibody Production Techniques and Applications, pp. 51-63 (Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York, 1987)). Human antibodies and human variable regions may also be prepared by administering an immunogen to a transgenic animal that has been modified to produce intact human antibodies or intact antibodies with human variable regions in response to antigenic challenge (see e.g. Lonberg, Nat Biotech 23, 1117-1125 (2005). Human antibodies and human variable regions may also be generated by isolating Fv clone variable region sequences selected from human-derived phage display libraries (see e.g., Hoogenboom et al. in Methods in Molecular Biology 178, 1-37 (O'Brien et al., ed., Human Press, Totowa, N.J., 2001); and McCafferty et al., Nature 348, 552-554; Clackson et al., Nature 352, 624-628 (1991)). Phage typically display antibody fragments, either as single-chain Fv (scFv) fragments or as Fab fragments.

In certain embodiments, the antigen binding moieties useful in the present invention are engineered to have enhanced binding affinity according to, for example, the methods disclosed in U.S. Pat. Appl. Publ. No. 2004/0132066, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. The ability of the T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule of the invention to bind to a specific antigenic determinant can be measured either through an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) or other techniques familiar to one of skill in the art, e.g. surface plasmon resonance technique (analyzed on a BIACORE T100 system) (Liljeblad, et al., Glyco J 17, 323-329 (2000)), and traditional binding assays (Heeley, Endocr Res 28, 217-229 (2002)). Competition assays may be used to identify an antibody, antibody fragment, antigen binding domain or variable domain that competes with a reference antibody for binding to a particular antigen, e.g. an antibody that competes with the V9 antibody for binding to CD3. In certain embodiments, such a competing antibody binds to the same epitope (e.g. a linear or a conformational epitope) that is bound by the reference antibody. Detailed exemplary methods for mapping an epitope to which an antibody binds are provided in Morris (1996) “Epitope Mapping Protocols,” in Methods in Molecular Biology vol. 66 (Humana Press, Totowa, N.J.). In an exemplary competition assay, immobilized antigen (e.g. CD3) is incubated in a solution comprising a first labeled antibody that binds to the antigen (e.g. V9 antibody, described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,054,297) and a second unlabeled antibody that is being tested for its ability to compete with the first antibody for binding to the antigen. The second antibody may be present in a hybridoma supernatant. As a control, immobilized antigen is incubated in a solution comprising the first labeled antibody but not the second unlabeled antibody. After incubation under conditions permissive for binding of the first antibody to the antigen, excess unbound antibody is removed, and the amount of label associated with immobilized antigen is measured. If the amount of label associated with immobilized antigen is substantially reduced in the test sample relative to the control sample, then that indicates that the second antibody is competing with the first antibody for binding to the antigen. See Harlow and Lane (1988) Antibodies: A Laboratory Manual ch.14 (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y.).

T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecules prepared as described herein may be purified by art-known techniques such as high performance liquid chromatography, ion exchange chromatography, gel electrophoresis, affinity chromatography, size exclusion chromatography, and the like. The actual conditions used to purify a particular protein will depend, in part, on factors such as net charge, hydrophobicity, hydrophilicity etc., and will be apparent to those having skill in the art. For affinity chromatography purification an antibody, ligand, receptor or antigen can be used to which the T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule binds. For example, for affinity chromatography purification of T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecules of the invention, a matrix with protein A or protein G may be used. Sequential Protein A or G affinity chromatography and size exclusion chromatography can be used to isolate a T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule essentially as described in the Examples. The purity of the T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule can be determined by any of a variety of well known analytical methods including gel electrophoresis, high pressure liquid chromatography, and the like. For example, the heavy chain fusion proteins expressed as described in the Examples were shown to be intact and properly assembled as demonstrated by reducing SDS-PAGE (see e.g. FIG. 4 ). Three bands were resolved at approximately Mr 25,000, Mr 50,000 and Mr 75,000, corresponding to the predicted molecular weights of the T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule light chain, heavy chain and heavy chain/light chain fusion protein.

Assays

T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecules provided herein may be identified, screened for, or characterized for their physical/chemical properties and/or biological activities by various assays known in the art.

Affinity Assays

The affinity of the T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule for an Fc receptor or a target antigen can be determined in accordance with the methods set forth in the Examples by surface plasmon resonance (SPR), using standard instrumentation such as a BIAcore instrument (GE Healthcare), and receptors or target proteins such as may be obtained by recombinant expression. Alternatively, binding of T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecules for different receptors or target antigens may be evaluated using cell lines expressing the particular receptor or target antigen, for example by flow cytometry (FACS). A specific illustrative and exemplary embodiment for measuring binding affinity is described in the following and in the Examples below.

According to one embodiment, K_(D) is measured by surface plasmon resonance using a BIACORE® T100 machine (GE Healthcare) at 25° C.

To analyze the interaction between the Fc-portion and Fc receptors, His-tagged recombinant Fc-receptor is captured by an anti-Penta His antibody (Qiagen) immobilized on CM5 chips and the bispecific constructs are used as analytes. Briefly, carboxymethylated dextran biosensor chips (CM5, GE Healthcare) are activated with N-ethyl-N′-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-carbodiimide hydrochloride (EDC) and N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) according to the supplier's instructions. Anti Penta-His antibody is diluted with 10 mM sodium acetate, pH 5.0, to 40 μg/ml before injection at a flow rate of 5 μl/min to achieve approximately 6500 response units (RU) of coupled protein. Following the injection of the ligand, 1 M ethanolamine is injected to block unreacted groups. Subsequently the Fc-receptor is captured for 60 s at 4 or 10 nM. For kinetic measurements, four-fold serial dilutions of the bispecific construct (range between 500 nM and 4000 nM) are injected in HBS-EP (GE Healthcare, 10 mM HEPES, 150 mM NaCl, 3 mM EDTA, 0.05% Surfactant P20, pH 7.4) at 25° C. at a flow rate of 30 μl/min for 120 s.

To determine the affinity to the target antigen, bispecific constructs are captured by an anti human Fab specific antibody (GE Healthcare) that is immobilized on an activated CM5-sensor chip surface as described for the anti Penta-His antibody. The final amount of coupled protein is approximately 12000 RU. The bispecific constructs are captured for 90 s at 300 nM. The target antigens are passed through the flow cells for 180 s at a concentration range from 250 to 1000 nM with a flowrate of 30 μl/min. The dissociation is monitored for 180 s.

Bulk refractive index differences are corrected for by subtracting the response obtained on reference flow cell. The steady state response was used to derive the dissociation constant K_(D) by non-linear curve fitting of the Langmuir binding isotherm. Association rates (k_(on)) and dissociation rates (k_(off)) are calculated using a simple one-to-one Langmuir binding model (BIACORE® T100 Evaluation Software version 1.1.1) by simultaneously fitting the association and dissociation sensorgrams. The equilibrium dissociation constant (K_(D)) is calculated as the ratio k_(off)/k_(on). See, e.g., Chen et al., J Mol Biol 293, 865-881 (1999).

Activity Assays

Biological activity of the T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecules of the invention can be measured by various assays as described in the Examples. Biological activities may for example include the induction of proliferation of T cells, the induction of signaling in T cells, the induction of expression of activation markers in T cells, the induction of cytokine secretion by T cells, the induction of lysis of target cells such as tumor cells, and the induction of tumor regression and/or the improvement of survival.

Compositions, Formulations, and Routes of Administration

In a further aspect, the invention provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising any of the T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecules provided herein, e.g., for use in any of the below therapeutic methods. In one embodiment, a pharmaceutical composition comprises any of the T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecules provided herein and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. In another embodiment, a pharmaceutical composition comprises any of the T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecules provided herein and at least one additional therapeutic agent, e.g., as described below.

Further provided is a method of producing a T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule of the invention in a form suitable for administration in vivo, the method comprising (a) obtaining a T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule according to the invention, and (b) formulating the T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule with at least one pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, whereby a preparation of T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule is formulated for administration in vivo.

Pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention comprise a therapeutically effective amount of one or more T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule dissolved or dispersed in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The phrases “pharmaceutical or pharmacologically acceptable” refers to molecular entities and compositions that are generally non-toxic to recipients at the dosages and concentrations employed, i.e. do not produce an adverse, allergic or other untoward reaction when administered to an animal, such as, for example, a human, as appropriate.

The preparation of a pharmaceutical composition that contains at least one T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule and optionally an additional active ingredient will be known to those of skill in the art in light of the present disclosure, as exemplified by Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences, 18th Ed. Mack Printing Company, 1990, incorporated herein by reference. Moreover, for animal (e.g., human) administration, it will be understood that preparations should meet sterility, pyrogenicity, general safety and purity standards as required by FDA Office of Biological Standards or corresponding authorities in other countries. Preferred compositions are lyophilized formulations or aqueous solutions. As used herein, “pharmaceutically acceptable carrier” includes any and all solvents, buffers, dispersion media, coatings, surfactants, antioxidants, preservatives (e.g. antibacterial agents, antifungal agents), isotonic agents, absorption delaying agents, salts, preservatives, antioxidants, proteins, drugs, drug stabilizers, polymers, gels, binders, excipients, disintegration agents, lubricants, sweetening agents, flavoring agents, dyes, such like materials and combinations thereof, as would be known to one of ordinary skill in the art (see, for example, Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences, 18th Ed. Mack Printing Company, 1990, pp. 1289-1329, incorporated herein by reference). Except insofar as any conventional carrier is incompatible with the active ingredient, its use in the therapeutic or pharmaceutical compositions is contemplated.

The composition may comprise different types of carriers depending on whether it is to be administered in solid, liquid or aerosol form, and whether it need to be sterile for such routes of administration as injection. T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecules of the present invention (and any additional therapeutic agent) can be administered intravenously, intradermally, intraarterially, intraperitoneally, intralesionally, intracranially, intraarticularly, intraprostatically, intrasplenically, intrarenally, intrapleurally, intratracheally, intranasally, intravitreally, intravaginally, intrarectally, intratumorally, intramuscularly, intraperitoneally, subcutaneously, subconjunctivally, intravesicularlly, mucosally, intrapericardially, intraumbilically, intraocularally, orally, topically, locally, by inhalation (e.g. aerosol inhalation), injection, infusion, continuous infusion, localized perfusion bathing target cells directly, via a catheter, via a lavage, in cremes, in lipid compositions (e.g. liposomes), or by other method or any combination of the forgoing as would be known to one of ordinary skill in the art (see, for example, Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences, 18th Ed. Mack Printing Company, 1990, incorporated herein by reference). Parenteral administration, in particular intravenous injection, is most commonly used for administering polypeptide molecules such as the T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecules of the invention.

Parenteral compositions include those designed for administration by injection, e.g. subcutaneous, intradermal, intralesional, intravenous, intraarterial intramuscular, intrathecal or intraperitoneal injection. For injection, the T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecules of the invention may be formulated in aqueous solutions, preferably in physiologically compatible buffers such as Hanks' solution, Ringer's solution, or physiological saline buffer. The solution may contain formulatory agents such as suspending, stabilizing and/or dispersing agents. Alternatively, the T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecules may be in powder form for constitution with a suitable vehicle, e.g., sterile pyrogen-free water, before use. Sterile injectable solutions are prepared by incorporating the T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecules of the invention in the required amount in the appropriate solvent with various of the other ingredients enumerated below, as required. Sterility may be readily accomplished, e.g., by filtration through sterile filtration membranes. Generally, dispersions are prepared by incorporating the various sterilized active ingredients into a sterile vehicle which contains the basic dispersion medium and/or the other ingredients. In the case of sterile powders for the preparation of sterile injectable solutions, suspensions or emulsion, the preferred methods of preparation are vacuum-drying or freeze-drying techniques which yield a powder of the active ingredient plus any additional desired ingredient from a previously sterile-filtered liquid medium thereof. The liquid medium should be suitably buffered if necessary and the liquid diluent first rendered isotonic prior to injection with sufficient saline or glucose. The composition must be stable under the conditions of manufacture and storage, and preserved against the contaminating action of microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi. It will be appreciated that endotoxin contamination should be kept minimally at a safe level, for example, less that 0.5 ng/mg protein. Suitable pharmaceutically acceptable carriers include, but are not limited to: buffers such as phosphate, citrate, and other organic acids; antioxidants including ascorbic acid and methionine; preservatives (such as octadecyldimethylbenzyl ammonium chloride; hexamethonium chloride; benzalkonium chloride; benzethonium chloride; phenol, butyl or benzyl alcohol; alkyl parabens such as methyl or propyl paraben; catechol; resorcinol; cyclohexanol; 3-pentanol; and m-cresol); low molecular weight (less than about 10 residues) polypeptides; proteins, such as serum albumin, gelatin, or immunoglobulins; hydrophilic polymers such as polyvinylpyrrolidone; amino acids such as glycine, glutamine, asparagine, histidine, arginine, or lysine; monosaccharides, disaccharides, and other carbohydrates including glucose, mannose, or dextrins; chelating agents such as EDTA; sugars such as sucrose, mannitol, trehalose or sorbitol; salt-forming counter-ions such as sodium; metal complexes (e.g. Zn-protein complexes); and/or non-ionic surfactants such as polyethylene glycol (PEG). Aqueous injection suspensions may contain compounds which increase the viscosity of the suspension, such as sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, sorbitol, dextran, or the like. Optionally, the suspension may also contain suitable stabilizers or agents which increase the solubility of the compounds to allow for the preparation of highly concentrated solutions. Additionally, suspensions of the active compounds may be prepared as appropriate oily injection suspensions. Suitable lipophilic solvents or vehicles include fatty oils such as sesame oil, or synthetic fatty acid esters, such as ethyl cleats or triglycerides, or liposomes.

Active ingredients may be entrapped in microcapsules prepared, for example, by coacervation techniques or by interfacial polymerization, for example, hydroxymethylcellulose or gelatin-microcapsules and poly-(methylmethacylate) microcapsules, respectively, in colloidal drug delivery systems (for example, liposomes, albumin microspheres, microemulsions, nano-particles and nanocapsules) or in macroemulsions. Such techniques are disclosed in Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences (18th Ed. Mack Printing Company, 1990). Sustained-release preparations may be prepared. Suitable examples of sustained-release preparations include semipermeable matrices of solid hydrophobic polymers containing the polypeptide, which matrices are in the form of shaped articles, e.g. films, or microcapsules. In particular embodiments, prolonged absorption of an injectable composition can be brought about by the use in the compositions of agents delaying absorption, such as, for example, aluminum monostearate, gelatin or combinations thereof.

In addition to the compositions described previously, the T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecules may also be formulated as a depot preparation. Such long acting formulations may be administered by implantation (for example subcutaneously or intramuscularly) or by intramuscular injection. Thus, for example, the T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecules may be formulated with suitable polymeric or hydrophobic materials (for example as an emulsion in an acceptable oil) or ion exchange resins, or as sparingly soluble derivatives, for example, as a sparingly soluble salt.

Pharmaceutical compositions comprising the T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecules of the invention may be manufactured by means of conventional mixing, dissolving, emulsifying, encapsulating, entrapping or lyophilizing processes. Pharmaceutical compositions may be formulated in conventional manner using one or more physiologically acceptable carriers, diluents, excipients or auxiliaries which facilitate processing of the proteins into preparations that can be used pharmaceutically. Proper formulation is dependent upon the route of administration chosen.

The T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecules may be formulated into a composition in a free acid or base, neutral or salt form. Pharmaceutically acceptable salts are salts that substantially retain the biological activity of the free acid or base. These include the acid addition salts, e.g., those formed with the free amino groups of a proteinaceous composition, or which are formed with inorganic acids such as for example, hydrochloric or phosphoric acids, or such organic acids as acetic, oxalic, tartaric or mandelic acid. Salts formed with the free carboxyl groups can also be derived from inorganic bases such as for example, sodium, potassium, ammonium, calcium or ferric hydroxides; or such organic bases as isopropylamine, trimethylamine, histidine or procaine. Pharmaceutical salts tend to be more soluble in aqueous and other protic solvents than are the corresponding free base forms.

Therapeutic Methods and Compositions

Any of the T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecules provided herein may be used in therapeutic methods. T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecules of the invention can be used as immunotherapeutic agents, for example in the treatment of cancers.

For use in therapeutic methods, T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecules of the invention would be formulated, dosed, and administered in a fashion consistent with good medical practice. Factors for consideration in this context include the particular disorder being treated, the particular mammal being treated, the clinical condition of the individual patient, the cause of the disorder, the site of delivery of the agent, the method of administration, the scheduling of administration, and other factors known to medical practitioners.

In one aspect, T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecules of the invention for use as a medicament are provided. In further aspects, T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecules of the invention for use in treating a disease are provided. In certain embodiments, T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecules of the invention for use in a method of treatment are provided.

In one embodiment, the invention provides a T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule as described herein for use in the treatment of a disease in an individual in need thereof. In certain embodiments, the invention provides a T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule for use in a method of treating an individual having a disease comprising administering to the individual a therapeutically effective amount of the T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule. In certain embodiments the disease to be treated is a proliferative disorder. In a particular embodiment the disease is cancer. In certain embodiments the method further comprises administering to the individual a therapeutically effective amount of at least one additional therapeutic agent, e.g., an anti-cancer agent if the disease to be treated is cancer. In further embodiments, the invention provides a T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule as described herein for use in inducing lysis of a target cell, particularly a tumor cell. In certain embodiments, the invention provides a T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule for use in a method of inducing lysis of a target cell, particularly a tumor cell, in an individual comprising administering to the individual an effective amount of the T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule to induce lysis of a target cell. An “individual” according to any of the above embodiments is a mammal, preferably a human.

In a further aspect, the invention provides for the use of a T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule of the invention in the manufacture or preparation of a medicament. In one embodiment the medicament is for the treatment of a disease in an individual in need thereof. In a further embodiment, the medicament is for use in a method of treating a disease comprising administering to an individual having the disease a therapeutically effective amount of the medicament. In certain embodiments the disease to be treated is a proliferative disorder. In a particular embodiment the disease is cancer. In one embodiment, the method further comprises administering to the individual a therapeutically effective amount of at least one additional therapeutic agent, e.g., an anti-cancer agent if the disease to be treated is cancer. In a further embodiment, the medicament is for inducing lysis of a target cell, particularly a tumor cell. In still a further embodiment, the medicament is for use in a method of inducing lysis of a target cell, particularly a tumor cell, in an individual comprising administering to the individual an effective amount of the medicament to induce lysis of a target cell. An “individual” according to any of the above embodiments may be a mammal, preferably a human.

In a further aspect, the invention provides a method for treating a disease. In one embodiment, the method comprises administering to an individual having such disease a therapeutically effective amount of a T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule of the invention. In one embodiment a composition is administered to said individual, comprising the T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule of the invention in a pharmaceutically acceptable form. In certain embodiments the disease to be treated is a proliferative disorder. In a particular embodiment the disease is cancer. In certain embodiments the method further comprises administering to the individual a therapeutically effective amount of at least one additional therapeutic agent, e.g., an anti-cancer agent if the disease to be treated is cancer. An “individual” according to any of the above embodiments may be a mammal, preferably a human.

In a further aspect, the invention provides a method for inducing lysis of a target cell, particularly a tumor cell. In one embodiment the method comprises contacting a target cell with a T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule of the invention in the presence of a T cell, particularly a cytotoxic T cell. In a further aspect, a method for inducing lysis of a target cell, particularly a tumor cell, in an individual is provided. In one such embodiment, the method comprises administering to the individual an effective amount of a T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule to induce lysis of a target cell. In one embodiment, an “individual” is a human.

In certain embodiments the disease to be treated is a proliferative disorder, particularly cancer. Non-limiting examples of cancers include bladder cancer, brain cancer, head and neck cancer, pancreatic cancer, lung cancer, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, uterine cancer, cervical cancer, endometrial cancer, esophageal cancer, colon cancer, colorectal cancer, rectal cancer, gastric cancer, prostate cancer, blood cancer, skin cancer, squamous cell carcinoma, bone cancer, and kidney cancer. Other cell proliferation disorders that can be treated using a T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule of the present invention include, but are not limited to neoplasms located in the: abdomen, bone, breast, digestive system, liver, pancreas, peritoneum, endocrine glands (adrenal, parathyroid, pituitary, testicles, ovary, thymus, thyroid), eye, head and neck, nervous system (central and peripheral), lymphatic system, pelvic, skin, soft tissue, spleen, thoracic region, and urogenital system. Also included are pre-cancerous conditions or lesions and cancer metastases. In certain embodiments the cancer is chosen from the group consisting of renal cell cancer, skin cancer, lung cancer, colorectal cancer, breast cancer, brain cancer, head and neck cancer. A skilled artisan readily recognizes that in many cases the T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule may not provide a cure but may only provide partial benefit. In some embodiments, a physiological change having some benefit is also considered therapeutically beneficial. Thus, in some embodiments, an amount of T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule that provides a physiological change is considered an “effective amount” or a “therapeutically effective amount”. The subject, patient, or individual in need of treatment is typically a mammal, more specifically a human.

In some embodiments, an effective amount of a T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule of the invention is administered to a cell. In other embodiments, a therapeutically effective amount of a T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule of the invention is administered to an individual for the treatment of disease.

For the prevention or treatment of disease, the appropriate dosage of a T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule of the invention (when used alone or in combination with one or more other additional therapeutic agents) will depend on the type of disease to be treated, the route of administration, the body weight of the patient, the type of T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule, the severity and course of the disease, whether the T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule is administered for preventive or therapeutic purposes, previous or concurrent therapeutic interventions, the patient's clinical history and response to the T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule, and the discretion of the attending physician. The practitioner responsible for administration will, in any event, determine the concentration of active ingredient(s) in a composition and appropriate dose(s) for the individual subject. Various dosing schedules including but not limited to single or multiple administrations over various time-points, bolus administration, and pulse infusion are contemplated herein.

The T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule is suitably administered to the patient at one time or over a series of treatments. Depending on the type and severity of the disease, about 1 μg/kg to 15 mg/kg (e.g. 0.1 mg/kg-10 mg/kg) of T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule can be an initial candidate dosage for administration to the patient, whether, for example, by one or more separate administrations, or by continuous infusion. One typical daily dosage might range from about 1 μg/kg to 100 mg/kg or more, depending on the factors mentioned above. For repeated administrations over several days or longer, depending on the condition, the treatment would generally be sustained until a desired suppression of disease symptoms occurs. One exemplary dosage of the T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule would be in the range from about 0.005 mg/kg to about 10 mg/kg. In other non-limiting examples, a dose may also comprise from about 1 microgram/kg body weight, about 5 microgram/kg body weight, about 10 microgram/kg body weight, about 50 microgram/kg body weight, about 100 microgram/kg body weight, about 200 microgram/kg body weight, about 350 microgram/kg body weight, about 500 microgram/kg body weight, about 1 milligram/kg body weight, about 5 milligram/kg body weight, about 10 milligram/kg body weight, about 50 milligram/kg body weight, about 100 milligram/kg body weight, about 200 milligram/kg body weight, about 350 milligram/kg body weight, about 500 milligram/kg body weight, to about 1000 mg/kg body weight or more per administration, and any range derivable therein. In non-limiting examples of a derivable range from the numbers listed herein, a range of about 5 mg/kg body weight to about 100 mg/kg body weight, about 5 microgram/kg body weight to about 500 milligram/kg body weight, etc., can be administered, based on the numbers described above. Thus, one or more doses of about 0.5 mg/kg, 2.0 mg/kg, 5.0 mg/kg or 10 mg/kg (or any combination thereof) may be administered to the patient. Such doses may be administered intermittently, e.g. every week or every three weeks (e.g. such that the patient receives from about two to about twenty, or e.g. about six doses of the T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule). An initial higher loading dose, followed by one or more lower doses may be administered. However, other dosage regimens may be useful. The progress of this therapy is easily monitored by conventional techniques and assays.

The T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecules of the invention will generally be used in an amount effective to achieve the intended purpose. For use to treat or prevent a disease condition, the T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecules of the invention, or pharmaceutical compositions thereof, are administered or applied in a therapeutically effective amount. Determination of a therapeutically effective amount is well within the capabilities of those skilled in the art, especially in light of the detailed disclosure provided herein.

For systemic administration, a therapeutically effective dose can be estimated initially from in vitro assays, such as cell culture assays. A dose can then be formulated in animal models to achieve a circulating concentration range that includes the IC₅₀ as determined in cell culture. Such information can be used to more accurately determine useful doses in humans.

Initial dosages can also be estimated from in vivo data, e.g., animal models, using techniques that are well known in the art. One having ordinary skill in the art could readily optimize administration to humans based on animal data.

Dosage amount and interval may be adjusted individually to provide plasma levels of the T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecules which are sufficient to maintain therapeutic effect. Usual patient dosages for administration by injection range from about 0.1 to 50 mg/kg/day, typically from about 0.5 to 1 mg/kg/day. Therapeutically effective plasma levels may be achieved by administering multiple doses each day. Levels in plasma may be measured, for example, by HPLC.

In cases of local administration or selective uptake, the effective local concentration of the T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecules may not be related to plasma concentration. One having skill in the art will be able to optimize therapeutically effective local dosages without undue experimentation.

A therapeutically effective dose of the T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecules described herein will generally provide therapeutic benefit without causing substantial toxicity.

Toxicity and therapeutic efficacy of a T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule can be determined by standard pharmaceutical procedures in cell culture or experimental animals. Cell culture assays and animal studies can be used to determine the LD₅₀ (the dose lethal to 50% of a population) and the ED₅₀ (the dose therapeutically effective in 50% of a population). The dose ratio between toxic and therapeutic effects is the therapeutic index, which can be expressed as the ratio LD₅₀/ED₅₀. T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecules that exhibit large therapeutic indices are preferred. In one embodiment, the T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule according to the present invention exhibits a high therapeutic index. The data obtained from cell culture assays and animal studies can be used in formulating a range of dosages suitable for use in humans. The dosage lies preferably within a range of circulating concentrations that include the ED₅₀ with little or no toxicity. The dosage may vary within this range depending upon a variety of factors, e.g., the dosage form employed, the route of administration utilized, the condition of the subject, and the like. The exact formulation, route of administration and dosage can be chosen by the individual physician in view of the patient's condition (see, e.g., Fingl et al., 1975, in: The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, Ch. 1, p. 1, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety).

The attending physician for patients treated with T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecules of the invention would know how and when to terminate, interrupt, or adjust administration due to toxicity, organ dysfunction, and the like. Conversely, the attending physician would also know to adjust treatment to higher levels if the clinical response were not adequate (precluding toxicity). The magnitude of an administered dose in the management of the disorder of interest will vary with the severity of the condition to be treated, with the route of administration, and the like. The severity of the condition may, for example, be evaluated, in part, by standard prognostic evaluation methods. Further, the dose and perhaps dose frequency will also vary according to the age, body weight, and response of the individual patient.

Other Agents and Treatments

The T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecules of the invention may be administered in combination with one or more other agents in therapy. For instance, a T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule of the invention may be co-administered with at least one additional therapeutic agent. The term “therapeutic agent” encompasses any agent administered to treat a symptom or disease in an individual in need of such treatment. Such additional therapeutic agent may comprise any active ingredients suitable for the particular indication being treated, preferably those with complementary activities that do not adversely affect each other. In certain embodiments, an additional therapeutic agent is an immunomodulatory agent, a cytostatic agent, an inhibitor of cell adhesion, a cytotoxic agent, an activator of cell apoptosis, or an agent that increases the sensitivity of cells to apoptotic inducers. In a particular embodiment, the additional therapeutic agent is an anti-cancer agent, for example a microtubule disruptor, an antimetabolite, a topoisomerase inhibitor, a DNA intercalator, an alkylating agent, a hormonal therapy, a kinase inhibitor, a receptor antagonist, an activator of tumor cell apoptosis, or an antiangiogenic agent.

Such other agents are suitably present in combination in amounts that are effective for the purpose intended. The effective amount of such other agents depends on the amount of T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule used, the type of disorder or treatment, and other factors discussed above. The T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecules are generally used in the same dosages and with administration routes as described herein, or about from 1 to 99% of the dosages described herein, or in any dosage and by any route that is empirically/clinically determined to be appropriate.

Such combination therapies noted above encompass combined administration (where two or more therapeutic agents are included in the same or separate compositions), and separate administration, in which case, administration of the T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule of the invention can occur prior to, simultaneously, and/or following, administration of the additional therapeutic agent and/or adjuvant. T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecules of the invention can also be used in combination with radiation therapy.

Articles of Manufacture

In another aspect of the invention, an article of manufacture containing materials useful for the treatment, prevention and/or diagnosis of the disorders described above is provided. The article of manufacture comprises a container and a label or package insert on or associated with the container. Suitable containers include, for example, bottles, vials, syringes, IV solution bags, etc. The containers may be formed from a variety of materials such as glass or plastic. The container holds a composition which is by itself or combined with another composition effective for treating, preventing and/or diagnosing the condition and may have a sterile access port (for example the container may be an intravenous solution bag or a vial having a stopper pierceable by a hypodermic injection needle). At least one active agent in the composition is a T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule of the invention. The label or package insert indicates that the composition is used for treating the condition of choice. Moreover, the article of manufacture may comprise (a) a first container with a composition contained therein, wherein the composition comprises a T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule of the invention; and (b) a second container with a composition contained therein, wherein the composition comprises a further cytotoxic or otherwise therapeutic agent. The article of manufacture in this embodiment of the invention may further comprise a package insert indicating that the compositions can be used to treat a particular condition. Alternatively, or additionally, the article of manufacture may further comprise a second (or third) container comprising a pharmaceutically-acceptable buffer, such as bacteriostatic water for injection (BWFI), phosphate-buffered saline, Ringer's solution and dextrose solution. It may further include other materials desirable from a commercial and user standpoint, including other buffers, diluents, filters, needles, and syringes.

EXAMPLES

The following are examples of methods and compositions of the invention. It is understood that various other embodiments may be practiced, given the general description provided above.

General Methods

Recombinant DNA Techniques

Standard methods were used to manipulate DNA as described in Sambrook et al., Molecular cloning: A laboratory manual; Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y., 1989. The molecular biological reagents were used according to the manufacturers' instructions. General information regarding the nucleotide sequences of human immunoglobulins light and heavy chains is given in: Kabat, E. A. et al., (1991) Sequences of Proteins of Immunological Interest, 5^(th) ed., NIH Publication No. 91-3242.

DNA Sequencing

DNA sequences were determined by double strand sequencing.

Gene Synthesis

Desired gene segments where required were either generated by PCR using appropriate templates or were synthesized by Geneart AG (Regensburg, Germany) from synthetic oligonucleotides and PCR products by automated gene synthesis. In cases where no exact gene sequence was available, oligonucleotide primers were designed based on sequences from closest homologues and the genes were isolated by RT-PCR from RNA originating from the appropriate tissue. The gene segments flanked by singular restriction endonuclease cleavage sites were cloned into standard cloning/sequencing vectors. The plasmid DNA was purified from transformed bacteria and concentration determined by UV spectroscopy. The DNA sequence of the subcloned gene fragments was confirmed by DNA sequencing. Gene segments were designed with suitable restriction sites to allow sub-cloning into the respective expression vectors. All constructs were designed with a 5′-end DNA sequence coding for a leader peptide which targets proteins for secretion in eukaryotic cells. Exemplary leader peptides and polynucleotide sequences encoding them are depicted SEQ ID NOs 108-116.

Isolation of Primary Human Pan T Cells from PBMCs

Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were prepared by Histopaque density centrifugation from enriched lymphocyte preparations (buffy coats) obtained from local blood banks or from fresh blood from healthy human donors. Briefly, blood was diluted with sterile PBS and carefully layered over a Histopaque gradient (Sigma, H8889). After centrifugation for 30 minutes at 450×g at room temperature (brake switched off), part of the plasma above the PBMC containing interphase was discarded. The PBMCs were transferred into new 50 ml Falcon tubes and tubes were filled up with PBS to a total volume of 50 ml. The mixture was centrifuged at room temperature for 10 minutes at 400×g (brake switched on). The supernatant was discarded and the PBMC pellet washed twice with sterile PBS (centrifugation steps at 4° C. for 10 minutes at 350×g). The resulting PBMC population was counted automatically (ViCell) and stored in RPMI1640 medium, containing 10% FCS and 1% L-alanyl-L-glutamine (Biochrom, K0302) at 37° C., 5% CO₂ in the incubator until assay start.

T cell enrichment from PBMCs was performed using the Pan T Cell Isolation Kit II (Miltenyi Biotec #130-091-156), according to the manufacturer's instructions. Briefly, the cell pellets were diluted in 40 μl cold buffer per 10 million cells (PBS with 0.5% BSA, 2 mM EDTA, sterile filtered) and incubated with 10 μl Biotin-Antibody Cocktail per 10 million cells for 10 min at 4° C. 30 μl cold buffer and 20 μl Anti-Biotin magnetic beads per 10 million cells were added, and the mixture incubated for another 15 min at 4° C. Cells were washed by adding 10-20×the current volume of buffer and a subsequent centrifugation step at 300×g for 10 min. Up to 100 million cells were resuspended in 500 μl buffer. Magnetic separation of unlabeled human pan T cells was performed using LS columns (Miltenyi Biotec #130-042-401) according to the manufacturer's instructions. The resulting T cell population was counted automatically (ViCell) and stored in AIM-V medium at 37° C., 5% CO₂ in the incubator until assay start (not longer than 24 h).

Isolation of Primary Human Naive T Cells from PBMCs

Peripheral blood mononuclar cells (PBMCs) were prepared by Histopaque density centrifugation from enriched lymphocyte preparations (buffy coats) obtained from local blood banks or from fresh blood from healthy human donors. T-cell enrichment from PBMCs was performed using the Naive CD8⁺ T cell isolation Kit from Miltenyi Biotec (#130-093-244), according to the manufacturer's instructions, but skipping the last isolation step of CD8⁺ T cells (also see description for the isolation of primary human pan T cells).

Isolation of Murine Pan T Cells from Splenocytes

Spleens were isolated from C57BL/6 mice, transferred into a GentleMACS C-tube (Miltenyi Biotech #130-093-237) containing MACS buffer (PBS+0.5% BSA+2 mM EDTA) and dissociated with the GentleMACS Dissociator to obtain single-cell suspensions according to the manufacturer's instructions. The cell suspension was passed through a pre-separation filter to remove remaining undissociated tissue particles. After centrifugation at 400×g for 4 min at 4° C., ACK Lysis Buffer was added to lyse red blood cells (incubation for 5 min at room temperature). The remaining cells were washed with MACS buffer twice, counted and used for the isolation of murine pan T cells. The negative (magnetic) selection was performed using the Pan T Cell Isolation Kit from Miltenyi Biotec (#130-090-861), following the manufacturer's instructions. The resulting T cell population was automatically counted (ViCell) and immediately used for further assays.

Isolation of Primary Cynomolgus PBMCs from Heparinized Blood

Peripheral blood mononuclar cells (PBMCs) were prepared by density centrifugation from fresh blood from healthy cynomolgus donors, as follows: Heparinized blood was diluted 1:3 with sterile PBS, and Lymphoprep medium (Axon Lab #1114545) was diluted to 90% with sterile PBS. Two volumes of the diluted blood were layered over one volume of the diluted density gradient and the PBMC fraction was separated by centrifugation for 30 min at 520×g, without brake, at room temperature. The PBMC band was transferred into a fresh 50 ml Falcon tube and washed with sterile PBS by centrifugation for 10 min at 400×g at 4° C. One low-speed centrifugation was performed to remove the platelets (15 min at 150×g, 4° C.), and the resulting PBMC population was automatically counted (ViCell) and immediately used for further assays.

Target Cells

For the assessment of MCSP-targeting bispecific antigen binding molecules, the following tumor cell lines were used: the human melanoma cell line WM266-4 (ATCC #CRL-1676), derived from a metastatic site of a malignant melanoma and expressing high levels of human MCSP; the human melanoma cell line MV-3 (a kind gift from The Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre), expressing medium levels of human MCSP; the human malignant melanoma (primary tumour) cell line A375 (ECACC #88113005) expressing high levels of MCSP; the human colon carcinoma cell line HCT-116 (ATCC #CCL-247) that does not express MCSP; and the human Caucasian colon adenocarcinoma cell line LS180 (ECACC #87021202) that does not express MCSP.

For the assessment of CEA-targeting bispecific antigen binding molecules, the following tumor cell lines were used: the human gastric cancer cell line MKN45 (DSMZ #ACC 409), expressing very high levels of human CEA; the human pancreas adenocarcinoma cell line HPAF-II (kind gift of Roche Nutley), expressing high levels of human CEA; the human primary pancreatic adenocarcinoma cell line BxPC-3 (ECACC #93120816) expressing medium levels of human CEA; the human female Caucasian colon adenocarcinoma cell line LS-174T (ECACC #87060401), expressing medium levels of human CEA; the human pancreas adenocarcinoma cell line ASPC-1 (ECACC #96020930) expressing low levels of human CEA; the human epithelioid pancreatic carcinoma cell line Panc-1 (ATCC #CRL-1469), expressing (very) low levels of human CEA; the human colon carcinoma cell line HCT-116 (ATCC #CCL-247) that does not express CEA; a human adenocarcinomic alveolar basal epithelial cell line A549-huCEA that was stably transfected in-house to express human CEA; and a murine colon carcinoma cell line MC38-huCEA, that was engineered in-house to stably express human CEA.

In addition, a human T cell leukaemia cell line, Jurkat (ATCC #TIB-152), was used to assess binding of different bispecific constructs to human CD3 on cells.

Example 1

Affinity Maturation of Anti-MCSP Antibody M4-3/ML2

Affinity maturation was performed via the oligonucleotide-directed mutagenesis procedure. For this the heavy chain variant M4-3, and the light chain variant ML2 were cloned into a phagemid vector, similar to those described by Hoogenboom, (Hoogenboom et al., Nucleic Acids Res. 1991, 19, 4133-4137). Residues to be randomized were identified by first generating a 3D model of that antibody via classical homology modeling and then identifying the solvent accessible residues of the complementary determining regions (CDRs) of heavy and light chain. Oligonucleotides with randomization based on trinucleotide synthesis as shown in Table 1 were purchased from Ella Biotech (Munich, Germany). Three independent sublibraries were generated via classical PCR, and comprised randomization in CDR-H1 together with CDR-H2, or CDR-L1 together with CDR-L2. CDR-L3 was randomized in a separate approach. The DNA fragments of those libraries were cloned into the phagemid via restriction digest and ligation, and subsequently electroporated into TG1 bacteria.

Library Selection

The antibody variants thus generated were displayed in a monovalent fashion from filamentous phage particles as fusions to the gene III product of M13 packaged within each particle. The phage-displayed variants were then screened for their biological activities (here: binding affinity) and candidates that have one or more improved activities were used for further development. Methods for making phage display libraries can be found in Lee et al., J. Mol. Biol. (2004) 340, 1073-1093. Selections with all affinity maturation libraries were carried out in solution according to the following procedure: 1. binding of ˜1012 phagemid particles of each affinity maturation libraries to 100 nM biotinylated hu-MCSP(D3 domain)-avi-his (SEQ ID NO: 118) for 0.5 h in a total volume of 1 ml, 2. capture of biotinylated hu-MCSP(D3 domain)-avi-his and specifically bound phage particles by addition of 5.4×10⁷ streptavidin-coated magnetic beads for 10 min, 3. washing of beads using 5-10×1 ml PBS/Tween-20 and 5-10×1 ml PBS, 4. elution of phage particles by addition of 1 ml 100 mM TEA (triethylamine) for 10 min and neutralization by adding 500 μl 1M Tris/HCl pH 7.4 and 5. re-infection of exponentially growing E. coli TG1 bacteria, infection with helper phage VCSM13 and subsequent PEG/NaCl precipitation of phagemid particles to be used in subsequent selection rounds. Selections were carried out over 3-5 rounds using either constant or decreasing (from 10⁻⁷ M to 2×10⁻⁹ M) antigen concentrations. In round 2, capture of antigen-phage complexes was performed using neutravidin plates instead of streptavidin beads. Specific binders were identified by ELISA as follows: 100 μl of 10 nM biotinylated hu-MCSP(D3 domain)-avi-his per well were coated on neutravidin plates. Fab-containing bacterial supernatants were added and binding Fabs were detected via their Flag-tags by using an anti-Flag/HRP secondary antibody. ELISA-positive clones were bacterially expressed as soluble Fab fragments in 96-well format and supernatants were subjected to a kinetic screening experiment by SPR-analysis using ProteOn XPR36 (BioRad). Clones expressing Fabs with the highest affinity constants were identified and the corresponding phagemids were sequenced.

TABLE 1 (excluded were always Cys and Met. Lys was excluded on top in those cases where the oligonucleotide was a reverse primer) Position Randomization Heavy chain CDR1 Ser31 S (40%), rest (60%, 4% each) Gly32 G (40%), rest (60%, 4% each). Tyr33 Y (40%), rest (60%, 4% each) Tyr34 Y (40%), rest (60%, 4% each) CDR2 Tyr50 Y 40%, (F, W, L, A, I, 30%, 6% each), rest (30%, 2.5% each) Thr52 T (60%), rest (40%, 2.5% each) Tyr53 Y (40%), rest (60%, 3.8% each) Asp54 D (40%), rest (60%, 3.8% each) Ser56 S (40%), rest (60%, 3.8% each) Light chain CDR1 Gln27 Q (40%), (E, D, N, S, T, R, 40%, 6.7% each), rest (total 20%, 2.2% each) Gly28 G (40%), (N, T, S, Q, Y, D, E, 40%, 5.7% each), rest (20%, 2.5% each) Asn31 N (40%), (S, T, G, Q, Y, D, E, R, 50%, 6.3% each), rest (10%, 1.4% each) Tyr32 Y (40%), (W, S, R, 30%, 10% each), rest (30%, 2.3% each) CDR2 Tyr50 Y (70%), (E, R, K, A, Q, T, S, D, G, W, F, 30%, 2.7% each) Thr51 T (50%), (S, A, G, N, Q, V, 30%, 5% each), rest (20%, 2% each) Ser52 S (50%), rest (50%, 3.1% each) Ser53 S (40%), (N, T, Q, Y, D, E, I, 40%, 5.7% each), rest (20%, 2.2% each) CDR3 Tyr91 Y (50%), rest (50%, 3.1% each) Ser92 S (50%), (N, Q, T, A, G 25%, 5% each), rest (25%, 2.3% each) Lys93 K (50%), S (5%), T (5%), N (5%), rest (35%, 2.7% each) Leu94 L (50%), (Y, F, S, I, A, V, 30%, 5% each), rest (20%, 2% each) Pro95 P (50%), (S, A, 20%, 10% each), rest (30%, 2.1% each) Trp96 W 50%, (Y, R, L, 15%, 5% each), rest (35%, 2.5% each)

FIG. 2 shows an alignment of affinity matured anti-MCSP clones compared to the non-matured parental clone (M4-3 ML2). Heavy chain randomization was performed only in the CDR1 and 2. Light chain randomization was performed in CDR1 and 2, and independently in CDR3.

During selection, a few mutations in the frameworks occurred like F71Y in clone G3 or Y87H in clone E10.

Production and Purification of Human IgG₁

The variable region of heavy and light chain DNA sequences of the affinity matured variants were subcloned in frame with either the constant heavy chain or the constant light chain pre-inserted into the respective recipient mammalian expression vector. The antibody expression was driven by an MPSV promoter and carries a synthetic polyA signal sequence at the 3′ end of the CDS. In addition each vector contained an EBV OriP sequence.

The molecule was produced by co-transfecting HEK293-EBNA cells with the mammalian expression vectors using polyethylenimine (PEI). The cells were transfected with the corresponding expression vectors in a 1:1 ratio. For transfection HEK293 EBNA cells were cultivated in suspension serum-free in CD CHO culture medium. For the production in 500 ml shake flask, 400 million HEK293 EBNA cells were seeded 24 hours before transfection. For transfection cells were centrifuged for 5 min at 210×g, supernatant was replaced by pre-warmed 20 ml CD CHO medium. Expression vectors were mixed in 20 ml CD CHO medium to a final amount of 200 μg DNA. After addition of 540 μl PEI solution, the mixture was vortexed for 15 s and subsequently incubated for 10 min at room temperature. Afterwards cells were mixed with the DNA/PEI solution, transferred to a 500 ml shake flask and incubated for 3 hours at 37° C. in an incubator with a 5% CO₂ atmosphere. After incubation time 160 ml F17 medium was added and cells were cultivated for 24 hours. One day after transfection 1 mM valproic acid and 7% Feed 1 (Lonza) was added. After 7 days cultivation supernatant was collected for purification by centrifugation for 15 min at 210×g, the solution was sterile filtered (0.22 μm filter) and sodium azide in a final concentration of 0.01% w/v was added, and kept at 4° C.

The secreted protein was purified from cell culture supernatants by affinity chromatography using Protein A. Supernatant was loaded on a HiTrap Protein A HP column (CV=5 mL, GE Healthcare) equilibrated with 40 ml 20 mM sodium phosphate, 20 mM sodium citrate, 0.5 M sodium chloride, pH 7.5. Unbound protein was removed by washing with at least 10 column volumes 20 mM sodium phosphate, 20 mM sodium citrate, 0.5 M sodium chloride, pH 7.5. Target protein was eluted during a gradient over 20 column volumes from 20 mM sodium citrate, 0.5 M sodium chloride, pH 7.5 to 20 mM sodium citrate, 0.5 M sodium chloride, pH 2.5. Protein solution was neutralized by adding 1/10 of 0.5 M sodium phosphate, pH 8. Target protein was concentrated and filtrated prior loading on a HiLoad Superdex 200 column (GE Healthcare) equilibrated with 20 mM histidine, 140 mM sodium chloride solution of pH 6.0.

The protein concentration of purified protein samples was determined by measuring the optical density (OD) at 280 nm, using the molar extinction coefficient calculated on the basis of the amino acid sequence. Purity and molecular weight of molecules were analyzed by CE-SDS analyses in the presence and absence of a reducing agent. The Caliper LabChip GXII system (Caliper Life Sciences) was used according to the manufacturer's instruction. 2 μg sample was used for analyses. The aggregate content of antibody samples was analyzed using a TSKgel G3000 SW XL analytical size-exclusion column (Tosoh) in 25 mM K₂HPO₄, 125 mM NaCl, 200 mM L-arginine monohydrochloride, 0.02% (w/v) NaN₃, pH 6.7 running buffer at 25° C.

TABLE 2 Production and purification of affinity matured anti-MCSP IgGs Yield HMW LMW Monomer Construct [mg/l] [%] [%] [%] M4-3(C1) ML2(G3) 43.9 0 0 100 M4-3(C1) ML2(E10) 59.5 0 0 100 M4-3(C1) ML2(C5) 68.9 0 0.8 99.2

Affinity Determination

ProteOn Analysis

K_(D) was measured by surface plasmon resonance using a ProteOn XPR36 machine (BioRad) at 25° C. with anti-human F(ab′)2 fragment specific capture antibody (Jackson TmmunoResearch #109-005-006) immobilized by amine coupling on CM5 chips and subsequent capture of Fabs from bacterial supernatant or from purified Fab preparations. Briefly, carboxymethylated dextran biosensor chips (CM5, GE Healthcare) were activated with N-ethyl-N′-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-carbodiimide hydrochloride (EDC) and N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) according to the supplier's instructions. Anti-human F(ab′)2 fragment specific capture antibody was diluted with 10 mM sodium acetate, pH 5.0 at 50 μg/ml before injection at a flow rate of 10 μl/minute to achieve approximately up to 10.000 response units (RU) of coupled capture antibody. Following the injection of the capture antibody, 1 M ethanolamine is injected to block unreacted groups. For kinetics measurements, Fabs from bacterial supernatant or purified Fabs were injected at a flow rate of 10 μl/minute for 300 s and a dissociation of 300 s for capture baseline stabilization. Capture levels were in the range of 100-500 RU. In a subsequent step, human MCSP(D3 domain)-avi-his analyte was injected either as a single concentration or as a concentration series (depending of clone affinity in a range between 100 nM and 250 pM) diluted into HBS-EP+ (GE Healthcare, 10 mM HEPES, 150 mM NaCl, 3 mM EDTA, 0.05% Surfactant P20, pH 7.4) at 25° C. at a flow rate of 50 μl/min. The surface of the sensorchip was regenerated by injection of glycine pH 1.5 for 30 s at 90 μl/min followed by injection of NaOH for 20 s at the same flow rate. Association rates (k_(on)) and dissociation rates (k_(off)) were calculated using a simple one-to-one Langmuir binding model (ProteOn XPR36 Evaluation Software or Scrubber software (BioLogic)) by simultaneously fitting the association and dissociation sensorgrams. The equilibrium dissociation constant (K_(D)) was calculated as the ratio k_(off)/k_(on). This data was used to determine the comparative binding affinity of the affinity matured variants with the parental antibody. Table 3a shows the data generated from these assays.

G3, E10, C5 for the light chain, and D6, A7, B7, B8, C1 for the heavy chain were chosen for conversion into human IgG₁ format. Since CDR1 and 2 of the light chain were randomized independent from CDR3, the obtained CDRs were combined during IgG conversion.

In the IgG format affinities were measured again to the human MCSP antigen (SEQ ID NO: 118), in addition also to the cynomolgus homologue (SEQ ID NO: 117).

The method used was exactly as described for the Fab fragments, just using purified IgG from mammalian production.

TABLE 3a MCSP affinity matured clones: Proteon data. Human Cyno Human Human Cyno MCSP MCSP MCSP MCSP MCSP IgG K_(D) IgG K_(D) Fab K_(D) IgG K_(D) IgG K_(D) Comparative binding affinity - Variant Proteon generated affinity data Fold increase over parent Parental M4-3/ML2 5*10⁻⁹  2*10⁻⁹  2*10⁻⁹  M4-3/ML2(G3) 4*10⁻¹⁰ 3*10⁻¹⁰ 6*10⁻¹⁰ 6.7 3.3 M4-3/ML2(E10) 7*10⁻¹⁰ 1*10⁻⁹  2*10⁻⁹  2.0 1.0 M4-3/ML2(E10/G3) 4*10⁻¹⁰ 9*10⁻¹⁰ 5.0 2.2 M4-3/ML2(C5) 7*10⁻¹⁰ 4*10⁻¹⁰ 1*10⁻⁹  5.0 2.0 M4-3/ML2(C5/G3) 7*10⁻¹⁰ 1*10⁻⁹  2.9 2.0 M4-3(D6)/ML2 2*10⁻⁹  4*10⁻¹⁰ 1*10⁻⁹  5.0 2.0 M4-3(A7)/ML2 2*10⁻¹¹ 8*10⁻¹⁰ 1*10⁻⁹  2.5 2.0 M4-3(B7)/ML2 5*10⁻¹⁰ 7*10⁻¹⁰ 4.0 2.9 M4-3(B8)/ML2 3*10⁻¹⁰ 9*10⁻¹⁰ 1*10⁻⁹  2.2 2.0 M4-3(C1)/ML2 6*10⁻¹⁰ 9*10⁻¹⁰ 8*10⁻¹⁰ 2.2 2.5 M4-3(C1)/ML2(G3)  7*10 ⁻¹¹ 2*10⁻¹⁰ 28.6 10.0 M4-3(C1)/ML2(E10) 5*10⁻¹⁰ 6*10⁻¹⁰ 4.0 3.3 M4-3(A7)/ML2(G3) 7*10⁻¹¹ 2*10⁻¹⁰ 28.6 10.0 M4-3(A7)/ML2(E10) 3*10⁻¹⁰ 7*10⁻¹⁰ 6.7 2.9 M4-3(C1)/ML2(C5) 2*10⁻¹⁰ 3*10⁻¹⁰ 10.0 6.7 M4-3(A7)/ML2(C5) 7*10⁻¹¹ 2*10⁻¹⁰ 28.6 10.0

Affinity Determination by Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) Using Biacore T200

Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) experiments to determine the affinity and the avidity of the affinity matured IgGs were performed on a Biacore T200 at 25° C. with HBS-EP as running buffer (0.01 M HEPES pH 7.4, 0.15 M NaCl, 3 mM EDTA, 0.005% Surfactant P20, Biacore, Freiburg/Germany).

For analyzing the avidity of the interaction of different anti-MCSP IgGs to human and cynomolgus MCSP D3 direct coupling of around 9,500 resonance units (RU) of the anti-Penta His antibody (Qiagen) was performed on a CM5 chip at pH 5.0 using the standard amine coupling kit (Biacore, Freiburg/Germany). Antigens were captured for 60 s at 30 nM with 10 μl/min respectively. IgGs were passed at a concentration of 0.0064-100 nM with a flowrate of 30 μl/min through the flow cells over 280 s. The dissociation was monitored for 180 s. Bulk refractive index differences were corrected for by subtracting the response obtained on reference flow cell. Here, the IgGs were flown over a surface with immobilized anti-Penta His antibody but on which HBS-EP has been injected rather than human MCSP D3 or cynomolgus MCSP D3.

For affinity measurements IgGs were captured on a CM5 sensorchip surface with immobilized anti human Fc. Capture IgG was coupled to the sensorchip surface by direct immobilization of around 9,500 resonance units (RU) at pH 5.0 using the standard amine coupling kit (Biacore, Freiburg/Germany). IgGs are captured for 25 s at 10 nM with 30 μl/min. Human and cynomolgus MCSP D3 were passed at a concentration of 2-500 nM with a flowrate of 30 μl/min through the flow cells over 120 s. The dissociation was monitored for 60 s. Association and dissociation for concentration 166 and 500 nM was monitored for 1200 and 600 s, respectively. Bulk refractive index differences were corrected for by subtracting the response obtained on reference flow cell.

Here, the antigens were flown over a surface with immobilized anti-human Fc antibody but on which HBS-EP has been injected rather than anti-MCSP IgGs.

Kinetic constants were derived using the Biacore T200 Evaluation Software (vAA, Biacore AB, Uppsala/Sweden), to fit rate equations for 1:1 Langmuir binding by numerical integration.

Higher affinity to human and cynomolgus MCSP D3 were confirmed by surface plasmon resonance measurements using Biacore T200. In addition, avidity measurements showed an up to 3-fold increase in bivalent binding (Table 3b).

TABLE 3b Affinity and avidity of anti MCSP IgGs to human MCSP-D3 and cynomolgus MCSP-D3. Human MCSP D3 Cynomolgus MCSP D3 K_(D) in nM T = 25° C. Affinity Avidity Affinity Avidity M4-3(C1) ML2(G3) 1.8 0.0045 1.4 0.0038 M4-3(C1) ML2(E10) 4.6 0.0063 3.8 0.0044 M4-3(C1) ML2(C5) 1.8 0.0046 1.3 0.0044 M4-3 ML2 (parental) 8.6 0.0090 11.4 0.0123

Example 2

Preparation of MCSP TCB (2+1 Crossfab-IgG P329G LALA Inverted) Containing M4-3(C1) ML2(G3) as Anti MCSP Antibody and Humanized CH2527 as Anti CD3 Antibody

The variable region of heavy and light chain DNA sequences were subcloned in frame with either the constant heavy chain or the constant light chain pre-inserted into the respective recipient mammalian expression vector. The antibody expression was driven by an MPSV promoter and carries a synthetic polyA signal sequence at the 3′ end of the CDS. In addition each vector contains an EBV OriP sequence.

The molecule was produced by co-transfecting HEK293-EBNA cells with the mammalian expression vectors using polyethylenimine (PEI). The cells were transfected with the corresponding expression vectors in a 1:2:1:1 ratio (“vector heavy chain Fc(hole)”: “vector light chain”: “vector light chain Crossfab”: “vector heavy chain Fc(knob)-FabCrossfab”).

For transfection HEK293 EBNA cells were cultivated in suspension serum-free in CD CHO culture medium. For the production in 500 ml shake flask 400 million HEK293 EBNA cells were seeded 24 hours before transfection. For transfection cells were centrifuged for 5 min at 210×g, supernatant was replaced by pre-warmed 20 ml CD CHO medium. Expression vectors were mixed in 20 ml CD CHO medium to a final amount of 200 μg DNA. After addition of 540 μl PEI solution the mixture was vortexed for 15 s and subsequently incubated for 10 min at room temperature. Afterwards cells were mixed with the DNA/PEI solution, transferred to a 500 ml shake flask and incubated for 3 hours at 37° C. in an incubator with a 5% CO₂ atmosphere. After incubation time 160 ml F17 medium was added and cell were cultivated for 24 hours. One day after transfection 1 mM valproic acid and 7% Feed 1 (Lonza) was added. After 7 days cultivation supernatant was collected for purification by centrifugation for 15 min at 210×g, the solution was sterile filtered (0.22 μm filter) and sodium azide in a final concentration of 0.01% w/v was added, and kept at 4° C.

The secreted protein was purified from cell culture supernatants by affinity chromatography using Protein A. Supernatant was loaded on a HiTrap Protein A HP column (CV=5 mL, GE Healthcare) equilibrated with 40 ml 20 mM sodium phosphate, 20 mM sodium citrate, 0.5 M sodium chloride, pH 7.5. Unbound protein was removed by washing with at least 10 column volumes 20 mM sodium phosphate, 20 mM sodium citrate, 0.5 M sodium chloride, pH 7.5. Target protein was eluted during a gradient over 20 column volumes from 20 mM sodium citrate, 0.5 M sodium chloride, pH 7.5 to 20 mM sodium citrate, 0.5 M sodium chloride, pH 2.5. Protein solution was neutralized by adding 1/10 of 0.5 M sodium phosphate, pH 8. Target protein was concentrated and filtrated prior loading on a HiLoad Superdex 200 column (GE Healthcare) equilibrated with 20 mM histidine, 140 mM sodium chloride solution of pH 6.0.

The protein concentration of purified protein samples was determined by measuring the optical density (OD) at 280 nm, using the molar extinction coefficient calculated on the basis of the amino acid sequence.

Purity and molecular weight of molecules were analyzed by CE-SDS analyses in the presence and absence of a reducing agent. The Caliper LabChip GXII system (Caliper lifescience) was used according to the manufacturer's instruction. 2 μg sample was used for analyses.

The aggregate content of antibody samples was analyzed using a TSKgel G3000 SW XL analytical size-exclusion column (Tosoh) in 25 mM K₂HPO₄, 125 mM NaCl, 200 mM L-arginine monohydrochloride, 0.02% (w/v) NaN₃, pH 6.7 running buffer at 25° C.

TABLE 4a Summary production and purification of MCSP TCB. Aggregate after 1^(st) Titer Yield purification HMW LMW Monomer Construct [mg/l] [mg/l] step [%] [%] [%] [%] MCSP TCB 157 0.32 32 3.3 0 96.7

FIG. 3 shows a schematic drawing of the MCSP TCB (2+1 Crossfab-IgG P329G LALA inverted) molecule.

FIG. 4 and Table 4b show CE-SDS analyses of a MCSP TCB (2+1 Crossfab-IgG P329G LALA inverted) molecule (SEQ ID NOs: 12, 53, 54 and 55).

TABLE 4b CE-SDS analyses of MCSP TCB. Peak kDa Corresponding Chain MCSP TCB non reduced (A) 1 206.47 MCSP TCB reduced (B) 1 29.15 Light chain ML2 (C1) 2 37.39 Light chain huCH2527 3 66.07 Fc(hole) 4 94.52 Fc(knob)

Example 3

Preparation of CEA TCB (2+1 Crossfab-IgG P329G LALA Inverted) Containing CH1A1A 98/99 2F1 as Anti CEA Antibody and Humanized CH2527 as Anti CD3 Antibody

The variable region of heavy and light chain DNA sequences were subcloned in frame with either the constant heavy chain or the constant light chain pre-inserted into the respective recipient mammalian expression vector. The antibody expression was driven by an MPSV promoter and carries a synthetic polyA signal sequence at the 3′ end of the CDS. In addition each vector contains an EBV OriP sequence.

The molecule was produced by co-transfecting HEK293 EBNA cells with the mammalian expression vectors using polyethylenimine (PEI). The cells were transfected with the corresponding expression vectors in a 1:2:1:1 ratio (“vector heavy chain Fc(hole)”: “vector light chain”: “vector light chain Crossfab”: “vector heavy chain Fc(knob)-FabCrossfab”).

For transfection HEK293 EBNA cells were cultivated in suspension serum-free in CD CHO culture medium. For the production in 500 ml shake flask 400 million HEK293 EBNA cells were seeded 24 hours before transfection. For transfection cells were centrifuged for 5 min at 210×g, supernatant was replaced by pre-warmed 20 ml CD CHO medium. Expression vectors were mixed in 20 ml CD CHO medium to a final amount of 200 μg DNA. After addition of 540 l PEI solution the mixture was vortexed for 15 s and subsequently incubated for 10 min at room temperature. Afterwards cells were mixed with the DNA/PEI solution, transferred to a 500 ml shake flask and incubated for 3 hours by 37° C. in an incubator with a 5% CO₂ atmosphere. After incubation time 160 ml F17 medium was added and cell were cultivated for 24 hours. One day after transfection 1 mM valproic acid and 7% Feed 1 (Lonza) was added. After 7 days cultivation supernatant was collected for purification by centrifugation for 15 min at 210×g, the solution was sterile filtered (0.22 μm filter) and sodium azide in a final concentration of 0.01% w/v was added, and kept at 4° C.

The secreted protein was purified from cell culture supernatants by affinity chromatography using Protein A. Supernatant was loaded on a HiTrap Protein A HP column (CV=5 mL, GE Healthcare) equilibrated with 40 ml 20 mM sodium phosphate, 20 mM sodium citrate, 0.5 M sodium chloride, pH 7.5. Unbound protein was removed by washing with at least 10 column volumes 20 mM sodium phosphate, 20 mM sodium citrate, 0.5 M sodium chloride, pH 7.5. Target protein was eluted during a gradient over 20 column volumes from 20 mM sodium citrate, 0.5 M sodium chloride, pH 7.5 to 20 mM sodium citrate, 0.5 M sodium chloride, pH 2.5. Protein solution was neutralized by adding 1/10 of 0.5 M sodium phosphate, pH 8. Target protein was concentrated and filtrated prior loading on a HiLoad Superdex 200 column (GE Healthcare) equilibrated with 20 mM histidine, 140 mM sodium chloride solution of pH 6.0.

The protein concentration of purified protein samples was determined by measuring the optical density (OD) at 280 nm, using the molar extinction coefficient calculated on the basis of the amino acid sequence.

Purity and molecular weight of molecules were analyzed by CE-SDS analyses in the presence and absence of a reducing agent. The Caliper LabChip GXII system (Caliper lifescience) was used according to the manufacturer's instructions. 2 μg sample was used for analyses.

The aggregate content of antibody samples was analyzed using a TSKgel G3000 SW XL analytical size-exclusion column (Tosoh) in 25 mM K₂HPO₄, 125 mM NaCl, 200 mM L-arginine monohydrocloride, 0.02% (w/v) NaN₃, pH 6.7 running buffer at 25° C.

TABLE 5 Summary production and purification of CEA TCB. Aggregate after 1^(st) Titer Yield purification HMW LMW Monomer Construct [mg/l] [mg/l] step [%] [%] [%] [%] CEA TCB 66 0.31 21.5 8.1 4.4 87.5

FIG. 5 shows a schematic drawing of CEA TCB (2+1 Crossfab-IgG P329G LALA inverted) molecule.

FIG. 6 and Table 6 show CE-SDS analyses of a CEA TCB (2+1 Crossfab-IgG P329G LALA inverted) molecule (SEQ ID NOs: 22, 56, 57 and 58).

TABLE 6 CE-SDS analyses of CEA TCB. Peak kDa Corresponding Chain CEA TCB non reduced (A) 1 205.67 Correct molecule CEA TCB reduced (B) 1 28.23 Light chain CH1A1A 98/99 x 2F1 2 36.31 Light chain CH2527 3 63.48 Fc(hole) 4 90.9 Fc(knob)

In an alternative purification method, the CEA TCB was captured from harvested and clarified fermentation supernatant by Protein A affinity chromatography (MabSelect SuRe). The Protein A eluate was then submitted to cation exchange chromatography (Poros 50 HS) and subsequently fractionated and analyzed by means of SE-HPLC and capillary electrophoresis. The product containing fractions were pooled and subjected to hydrophobic interaction chromatography (Butyl-Sepharose 4FF) at room temperature in a bind-elute mode. The eluate therefrom was then fractionated and analyzed by means of SE-HPLC and capillary electrophoresis. The product containing fractions were pooled and subsequently anion exchange chromatography (Q-Sepharose FF) in flow-through mode was performed. The material obtained using this purification method had a monomer content of >98%.

Example 4

Binding of MCSP TCB to MCSP- and CD3-Expressing Cells

The binding of MCSP TCB was tested on a MCSP-expressing human malignant melanoma cell line (A375) and a CD3-expressing immortalized T lymphocyte line (Jurkat). Briefly, cells were harvested, counted, checked for viability and resuspended at 2×10⁶ cells/ml in FACS buffer (100 μl PBS 0.1% BSA). 100 μl cell suspension (containing 0.2×10⁶ cells) were incubated in round-bottom 96-well plate for 30 min at 4° C. with increasing concentrations of the MCSP TCB (2.6 pM-200 nM), washed twice with cold PBS 0.1% BSA, re-incubated for further 30 min at 4° C. with the PE-conjugated AffiniPure F(ab′)2 Fragment goat anti-human IgG Fcγ Fragment Specific secondary antibody (Jackson Immuno Research Lab PE #109-116-170), washed twice with cold PBS 0.1% BSA and immediately analyzed by FACS using a FACS CantoII (Software FACS Diva) by gating live, DAPI-negative, cells. Binding curves were obtained using GraphPadPrism5 (FIG. 7A, binding to A375 cells, EC₅₀=3381 pM; FIG. 7B, binding to Jurkat cells).

Example 5

T-Cell Killing Induced by MCSP TCB Antibody

T-cell killing mediated by MCSP TCB antibody was assessed using a panel of tumor cell lines expressing different levels of MCSP (A375=MCSP high, MV-3=MSCP medium, HCT-116=MCSP low, LS180=MCSP negative). Briefly, target cells were harvested with Trypsin/EDTA, washed, and plated at density of 25 000 cells/well using flat-bottom 96-well plates. Cells were left to adhere overnight. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were prepared by Histopaque density centrifugation of enriched lymphocyte preparations (buffy coats) obtained from healthy human donors. Fresh blood was diluted with sterile PBS and layered over Histopaque gradient (Sigma, #H8889). After centrifugation (450×g, 30 minutes, room temperature), the plasma above the PBMC-containing interphase was discarded and PBMCs transferred in a new falcon tube subsequently filled with 50 ml of PBS. The mixture was centrifuged (400×g, 10 minutes, room temperature), the supernatant discarded and the PBMC pellet washed twice with sterile PBS (centrifugation steps 350×g, 10 minutes). The resulting PBMC population was counted automatically (ViCell) and stored in RPMI1640 medium containing 10% FCS and 1% L-alanyl-L-glutamine (Biochrom, K0302) at 37° C., 5% CO₂ in cell incubator until further use (no longer than 24 h). For the killing assay, the antibody was added at the indicated concentrations (range of 1 pM-10 nM in triplicates). PBMCs were added to target cells at final effector to target (E:T) ratio of 10:1. Target cell killing was assessed after 24 h of incubation at 37° C., 5% CO₂ by quantification of LDH released into cell supernatants by apoptotic/necrotic cells (LDH detection kit, Roche Applied Science, #11 644 793 001). Maximal lysis of the target cells (=100%) was achieved by incubation of target cells with 1% Triton X-100. Minimal lysis (=0%) refers to target cells co-incubated with effector cells without bispecific construct. The results show that MCSP TCB induced a strong and target-specific killing of MCSP-positive target cell lines with no killing of MCSP-negative cell lines (FIG. 8 , A-D). The EC₅₀ values related to the killing assays, calculated using GraphPadPrism5 are given in Table 7.

TABLE 7 EC₅₀ values (pM) for T-cell mediated killing of MCSP- expressing tumor cells induced by MCSP TCB antibody. Cell line MCSP receptor copy number EC₅₀ [pM] A375 387 058 12.3 MV-3 260 000 9.4 HCT-116   36770 3.7 LS180 Negative n.d.

Example 6

CD25 and CD69 Upregulation on CD8⁺ and CD4⁺ Effector Cells after T Cell Killing of MCSP-Expressing Tumor Cells Induced by MCSP TCB Antibody

Activation of CD8⁺ and CD4⁺ T cells after T-cell killing of MCSP-expressing MV-3 tumor cells mediated by the MCSP TCB antibody was assessed by FACS analysis using antibodies recognizing the T cell activation markers CD25 (late activation marker) and CD69 (early activation marker). The antibody and the killing assay conditions were essentially as described above (Example 5), using the same antibody concentration range (1 pM-10 nM in triplicates), E:T ratio 10:1 and an incubation time 24 h.

After the incubation, PBMCs were transferred to a round-bottom 96-well plate, centrifuged at 350×g for 5 min and washed twice with PBS containing 0.1% BSA. Surface staining for CD8 (FITC anti-human CD8, BD #555634), CD4 (PECy7 anti-human CD4, BD #557852), CD69 (PE anti-human CD69, Biolegend #310906) and CD25 (APC anti-human CD25, BD #555434) was performed according to the suppliers' indications. Cells were washed twice with 150 μl/well PBS containing 0.1% BSA and fixed for 15 min at 4° C. using 100 μl/well fixation buffer (BD #554655). After centrifugation, the samples were resuspended in 200 μl/well PBS 0.1% BSA containing DAPI to exclude dead cells for the FACS measurement. Samples were analyzed at BD FACS Fortessa. The results show that MCSP TCB induced a strong and target-specific upregulation of activation markers (CD25, CD69) on CD8⁺ T cells (FIG. 9 A, B) and CD4⁺ T cells (FIG. 9 C, D) after killing.

Example 7

Cytokine Secretion by Human Effector Cells after T Cell-Killing of MCSP-Expressing Tumor Cells Induced by MCSP TCB Antibody

Cytokine secretion by human PBMCs after T-cell killing of MCSP-expressing MV-3 tumor cells induced by the MCSP TCB antibody was assessed by FACS analysis of cell supernatants after the killing assay.

The same antibody was used and the killing assay was performed essentially as described above (Example 5 and 6), using an E:T ratio of 10:1 and an incubation time of 24 h.

At the end of the incubation time, the plate was centrifuged for 5 min at 350×g, the supernatant transferred in a new 96-well plate and stored at −20° C. until subsequent analysis. Granzyme B, TNFα, IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-4 and IL-10 secreted into in cell supernatants were detected using the BD CBA Human Soluble Protein Flex Set, according to manufacturer's instructions on a FACS CantoII. The following kits were used: BD CBA human Granzyme B BD CBA human Granzyme B Flex Set #BD 560304; BD CBA human TNF Flex Set #BD 558273; BD CBA human IFN-γ Flex Set #BD 558269; BD CBA human IL-2 Flex Set #BD 558270; BD CBA human IL-4 Flex Set #BD 558272; BD CBA human IL-10 Flex Set #BD 558274.

The results show that MCSP TCB induced secretion of IL-2, IFN-γ, TNFα, Granzyme B and IL-10 (but no IL-4) upon killing (FIG. 10 , A-F).

Taken together, these examples show that the MCSP CD3 bispecific antibody

-   -   Showed a good binding to MCSP-positive A375 cells     -   Induced a strong and target-specific killing of MCSP-positive         target cell lines, and no killing of MCSP-negative cell lines     -   Induced a strong and target-specific upregulation of activation         markers (CD25, CD69) on CD8⁺ and CD4⁺ T cells after killing     -   Induced secretion of IL-2, IFN-γ, TNFα, Granzyme B and IL-10 (no         IL-4) upon killing.

Example 8

Binding of CEA TCB to CEA- and CD3-Expressing Cells

The binding of CEA TCB was tested on transfected CEA-expressing lung adenocarcinoma cells (A549-huCEA) and CD3-expressing immortalized human and cynomolgus T lymphocyte lines (Jurkat and HSC-F, respectively). An untargeted TCB (SEQ ID NOs: 59, 60, 61 and 62; see example 24) was used as control. Briefly, cells were harvested, counted, checked for viability and resuspended at 2×10⁶ cells/ml in FACS buffer (100 μl PBS 0.1% BSA). 100 μl cell suspension (containing 0.2×10⁶ cells) were incubated in round-bottom 96-well plate for 30 min at 4° C. with increasing concentrations of the CEA TCB (61 pM-1000 nM), washed twice with cold PBS 0.1% BSA, re-incubated for further 30 min at 4° C. with the FITC-conjugated AffiniPure F(ab′)2 Fragment goat anti-human IgG F(ab′)2 Fragment Specific secondary antibody (Jackson Immuno Research Lab FITC #109-096-097), washed twice with cold PBS 0.1% BSA and immediately analyzed by FACS using a FACS CantoII or Fortessa (Software FACS Diva) by gating live, PI-negative, cells. Binding curves were obtained using GraphPadPrism5 (FIG. 11A, binding to A549 cells (EC₅₀ 6.6 nM); FIG. 11B, binding to Jurkat cells; FIG. 11C, binding to HSC-F cells).

Example 9

T Cell-Mediated Killing of CEA-Expressing Tumor Target Cells Induced by CEA TCB Antibody

T cell-mediated killing of target cells induced by CEA TCB antibody was assessed on HPAFII (high CEA), BxPC-3 (medium CEA) and ASPC-1 (low CEA) human tumor cells. HCT-116 (CEA negative tumor cell line) and the untargeted TCB were used as negative controls. Human PBMCs were used as effectors and killing detected 24 h and 48 h after incubation with the bispecific antibody. Briefly, target cells were harvested with Trypsin/EDTA, washed, and plated at density of 25 000 cells/well using flat-bottom 96-well plates. Cells were left to adhere overnight. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were prepared by Histopaque density centrifugation of enriched lymphocyte preparations (buffy coats) obtained from healthy human donors. Fresh blood was diluted with sterile PBS and layered over Histopaque gradient (Sigma, #H8889). After centrifugation (450×g, 30 minutes, room temperature), the plasma above the PBMC-containing interphase was discarded and PBMCs transferred in a new falcon tube subsequently filled with 50 ml of PBS. The mixture was centrifuged (400×g, 10 minutes, room temperature), the supernatant discarded and the PBMC pellet washed twice with sterile PBS (centrifugation steps 350×g, 10 minutes). The resulting PBMC population was counted automatically (ViCell) and kept in RPMI1640 medium containing 10% FCS and 1% L-alanyl-L-glutamine (Biochrom, K0302) in cell incubator (37° C., 5% CO₂) until further use (no longer than 24 h). For the killing assay, the antibodies were added at indicated concentrations (range of 6 pM-100 nM in triplicates). PBMCs were added to target cells at the final E:T ratio of 10:1. Target cell killing was assessed after 24 h and 48 h of incubation by quantification of LDH (lactate dehydrogenase) released into cell supernatants by apoptotic/necrotic cells (LDH detection kit, Roche Applied Science, #11 644 793 001). Maximal lysis of the target cells (=100%) was achieved by incubation of target cells with 1% Triton X-100. Minimal lysis (=0%) refers to target cells co-incubated with effector cells without bispecific antibody. The results show that CEA TCB induced a strong and target-specific killing of CEA-positive target cells (FIG. 12 , A-H). The EC₅₀ values related to the killing assays, calculated using GraphPadPrism5 are given in Table 8.

TABLE 8 CEA receptor copy number and EC₅₀ values (pM) for T-cell mediated killing of CEA-expressing tumor cells induced by CEA TCB antibody. CEA receptor EC50 [pM] Cell line copy number 48 h HPAFII 120 000-205 000 667 BxPC-3 41 000 3785 ASPC1 3500-8000 846

Example 10

T Cell Proliferation and Activation 5 Days after CEA TCB-Mediated Killing of CEA-Expressing Tumor Target Cells

T cell proliferation and activation was detected 5 days after CEA TCB-mediated killing of CEA-expressing tumor target cells assessed on HPAFII (high CEA), BxPC-3 (medium CEA) and ASPC-1 (low CEA) cells. HCT-116 (CEA negative tumor cell line) and the untargeted TCB were used as negative controls. The experimental conditions for the proliferation assay were similar to the ones described in Example 9, but only 10 000 target cells were plated per well of a 96-flat bottom well plate. To assess T cell proliferation, freshly-isolated PBMCs were labeled using CFSE (Sigma #21888). Briefly, CFSE stock solution was diluted to obtain a working solution of 100 PM. 90×10⁶ PBMC cells were re-suspended in 90 ml pre-warmed PBS and supplemented with 90 μl of the CFSE working solution. Cells were mixed immediately and incubated 15 min at 37° C. 10 ml of pre-warmed FCS were added to cells to stop the reaction. The cells were centrifuged for 10 min at 400 g, re-suspended in 50 ml medium and incubated for 30 min at 37° C. After incubation, cells were washed once with warm medium, counted, re-suspended in medium and added to target cells for the killing assay and subsequent measurement of cell proliferation and activation at an E:T of 10:1. Proliferation was assessed 5 days after killing on CD4 and CD8 positive T cells by quantification of the CFSE dye dilution. CD25 expression was assessed on the same T cell subsets using the anti-human CD25 antibody. Briefly, after centrifugation (400×g for 4 min), cells were resuspended, washed with FACS buffer and incubated with 25 μl of the diluted CD4/CD8/CD25 antibody mix for 30 min at 4° C. (APC/Cy7 anti-human CD4 #317418, APC anti-human CD8 #301014, PE/Cy7 anti-human CD25 #302612). Cells were then washed three times to remove the unbound antibody, and finally resuspended in 200 μl FACS buffer containing propidium iodide (PI) to exclude dead cells for the FACS measurement. Fluorescence was measured using BD FACS CantoII. The results show that the CEA TCB induced a strong and target-specific proliferation of CD8⁺ and CD4⁺ T cells (FIG. 13 , A-D) as well as their activation as detected by up-regulation of the CD25 activation marker (FIG. 13 , E-H).

Example 11

Cytokine Secretion by Human Effector Cells after T Cell-Mediated Killing of CEA-Expressing Tumor Cells Induced by CEA TCB

Cytokine secretion by human PBMCs after T cell-mediated killing of CEA-expressing MKN45 tumor cells induced by the CEA TCB was assessed by FACS analysis (CBA kit) of cell supernatants 48 h after killing.

The experimental conditions were identical to the ones described in Example 9. At the end of the incubation time, the plate was centrifuged for 5 min at 350×g, the supernatant transferred into a new 96-well plate and stored at −20° C. until subsequent analysis. (A) IFN-γ, (B) TNFα, (C) Granzyme B, (D) IL-2, (E) IL-6 and (F) IL-10 secreted into cell supernatants were detected using the BD CBA Human Soluble Protein Flex Set, according to the manufacturer's instructions on a FACS CantoII. The following kits were used: BD CBA human IL-2 BD Flex Set #BD 558270; BD CBA human Granzyme B BD Flex Set #BD 560304; BD CBA human TNF Flex Set #BD 558273; BD CBA human IFN-γ Flex Set #BD 558269; BD CBA human IL-4 Flex Set #BD 558272; BD CBA human IL-10 Flex Set #BD 558274.

The results show that the CEA TCB mediated killing (but not the killing mediated by untargeted TCB control) induced secretion of IFN-γ, TNFα, Granzyme B, IL-2, IL-6 and IL-10 (FIG. 14 , A-F).

Example 12

T Cell-Mediated Killing of Target Cells in Presence of Increasing Concentrations of Shed CEA (sCEA)

T cell-mediated killing of CEA-expressing tumor target cells (LS180) induced by CEA TCB antibody in presence of increasing concentrations of shed CEA (sCEA 2.5 ng/ml-5 μg/ml) was assessed. Human PBMCs were used as effector cells and killing detected 24 h and 48 h after incubation with the bispecific antibody and sCEA. Briefly, target cells were harvested with Trypsin/EDTA, washed, and plated at density of 25 000 cells/well using flat-bottom 96-well plates. Cells were left to adhere overnight. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were prepared by Histopaque density centrifugation of enriched lymphocyte preparations (buffy coats) obtained from healthy human donors. Fresh blood was diluted with sterile PBS and layered over Histopaque gradient (Sigma, #H8889). After centrifugation (450×g, 30 minutes, room temperature), the plasma above the PBMC-containing interphase was discarded and PBMCs transferred in a new Falcon tube subsequently filled with 50 ml of PBS. The mixture was centrifuged (400×g, 10 minutes, room temperature), the supernatant discarded and the PBMC pellet washed twice with sterile PBS (centrifugation steps 350×g, 10 minutes). The resulting PBMC population was counted automatically (ViCell) and kept in RPMI1640 medium containing 10% FCS and 1% L-alanyl-L-glutamine (Biochrom, K0302) in cell incubator (37° C., 5% CO₂) until further use (no longer than 24 h). For the killing assay, the CEA TCB antibody was used at a fixed concentration of 1 nM and sCEA was spiked into the experiment at a concentration range of 2.5 ng-5 μg/ml. PBMCs were added to target cells at the final E:T ratio of 10:1. Target cell killing was assessed after 24 h and 48 h of incubation by quantification of LDH (lactate dehydrogenase) released into cell supernatants by apoptotic/necrotic cells (LDH detection kit, Roche Applied Science, #11 644 793 001). Maximal lysis of the target cells (=100%) was achieved by incubation of target cells with 1% Triton X-100. Minimal lysis (=0%) refers to target cells co-incubated with effector cells without bispecific antibody. The killing mediated by CEA TCB in absence of sCEA was set at 100% and the killing obtained in presence of increasing concentrations of sCEA was normalized to it. Results show that sCEA had only a minor impact on CEA TCB-mediated killing of CEA-expressing target cells (FIG. 15 A, B). No effect on T cell killing was detected up to 0.2 μg/ml of sCEA. The sCEA concentrations above 0.2 μg/ml had only a minor impact on overall killing (10-50% reduction).

Example 13

T Cell-Mediated Killing of Target Cells Using Human and Cynomolgus PBMCs as Effector Cells

T cell-mediated killing of A549 (lung adenocarcinoma) cells overexpressing human CEA (A549-hCEA), assessed 21 h and 40 h after incubation with CEA TCB antibody and human PBMCs or cynomolgus PBMCs as effector cells was assessed. Briefly, target cells were harvested with Trypsin/EDTA, washed, and plated at density of 25 000 cells/well using flat-bottom 96-well plates. Cells were left to adhere for several hours. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were prepared by Histopaque density centrifugation of enriched lymphocyte preparations (buffy coats) obtained from healthy human donors or healthy cynomolgus monkey. For the later, a 90% Histopaque-PBS density gradient was used. Fresh blood was diluted with sterile PBS and layered over Histopaque gradient (Sigma, #H8889). After centrifugation (450×g, 30 minutes, room temperature for human PBMCs, respective 520×g, 30 min, room temperature for cynomolgus PBMCs), the plasma above the PBMC-containing interphase was discarded and PBMCs transferred in a new Falcon tube subsequently filled with 50 ml of PBS. The mixture was centrifuged (400×g, 10 minutes, room temperature), the supernatant discarded and the PBMC pellet washed twice with sterile PBS (centrifugation steps 350×g, 10 minutes). For the preparation of the cynomolgus PBMCs, an additional low-speed centrifugation step was performed at 150×g for 15 min. The resulting PBMC population was counted automatically (ViCell) and kept in RPMI1640 medium containing 10% FCS and 1% L-alanyl-L-glutamine (Biochrom, K0302) in cell incubator (37° C., 5% CO₂) until further use (up to 4 h). For the killing assay, the antibodies were added at indicated concentrations (range of 6 pM-100 nM in triplicates). PBMCs were added to target cells at the final E:T ratio of 10:1. Target cell killing was assessed after 21 h and 40 h of incubation by quantification of LDH (lactate dehydrogenase) released into cell supernatants by apoptotic/necrotic cells (LDH detection kit, Roche Applied Science, #11 644 793 001). Maximal lysis of the target cells (=100%) was achieved by incubation of target cells with 1% Triton X-100. Minimal lysis (=0%) refers to target cells co-incubated with effector cells without bispecific antibody. Results show that CEA TCB mediates target-specific killing of CEA-positive target cells using both human (FIG. 16 , A, C) and cynomolgus (FIG. 16 , B, D) effector cells (PBMCs). The EC₅₀ values related to 40 h of killing, calculated using GraphPadPrism5 are 306 pM for human PBMCs and 102 pM for cynomolgus PBMCs.

Example 14

T Cell-Mediated Killing of CEA-Expressing Human Colorectal Cancer Cell Lines Induced by CEA TCB Antibody

T cell-mediated killing of CEA-expressing human colorectal cancer cell lines 48 h after incubation with human PBMCs and CEA TCB antibody at 0.8 nM, 4 nM and 20 nM was assessed. Briefly, PBMCs were isolated from leukocyte cones obtained from single healthy donors. Cells were diluted with PBS (1:10) and layered on Lymphoprep in 50 mL Falcon tubes. After centrifugation (1800 rpm for 25 min), the PBMC layer was withdrawn from the interface and washed 4×with PBS. PBMCs were counted, frozen in 10% DMSO in FCS under controlled-rate freezing conditions at 40×10⁶ cells/mL and stored in liquid nitrogen until further use. For the T-cell killing assay, tumor cells were plated directly into 96-well plates from frozen stocks. Cells were warmed quickly and transferred immediately into pre-warmed medium, centrifuged, and re-suspended in complete medium (DMEM, Iscoves or RPMI-1640, all supplemented with 10% FCS and 1% penicillin/streptomycin) and plated at a density of 2.5×10⁴ cells/well. Plates were then incubated at 37° C. in a humidified 10% CO₂ incubator and medium replaced the next day by 100 μL of RPMI 2% FCS with 1% glutamine and 50 μL CEA TCB (final concentrations ranging from 6.4 to 20000 pM, 1:5 titration steps, in duplicate wells for each condition). Fresh-thawed PBMCs were used for the assay (thawed from frozen vials within 2 hours of the assay start) and 50 μL (3×10⁵) was added to each well to give an effector:target (E:T) ratio of 10:1. Triton X100 (50 μL of 4%) was added to 150 μL of target cells to obtain maximum release values. Plates were incubated at 37° C. for 48 h and the killing activity determined using the Lactose Dehydrogenase Cytotoxicity Detection Kit (Roche) in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Percentage of specific cell lysis was calculated as [sample release−spontaneous release]/[maximum release−spontaneous release]×100. FIG. 17 , A-C shows the correlation between CEA expression (receptor copy number quantified using QIFIKIT, see below) and % killing for 31 colorectal cancer cell lines (listed on x axis). FIG. 17 , D shows the correlation between CEA expression and % specific lysis at 20 nM of CEA TCB (Spearman correlation=0.7289, p<0.0001, n=31), indicating that tumor cells displaying high CEA receptor copy numbers (>50 000) are efficiently lysed by CEA TCB whereas a cluster of cells displaying low CEA receptor copy numbers (<10 000) are not being lysed by CEA TCB under the same experimental conditions. FIG. 17 , E shows the correlation between CEA expression and EC₅₀ of CEA TCB. Although the correlation is not statistically significant (Spearman correlation=−0.3994, p=0.1006, R²=0.1358) the graph clearly shows a pattern of better CEA TCB potency (i.e. lower EC₅₀ values) on tumor cell lines expressing high CEA receptor copy numbers.

For the analysis of CEA surface expression on cancer cell lines, the Qifikit (DakoCytomation, Glostrup, Denmark) was used to calibrate the fluorescent signals and determine the number of binding sites per cell. Cells were incubated on ice for 30 min with a mouse anti-human CEACAM5 monoclonal antibody (0.5 μg for 5×105 cells, clone: CI-P83-1, sc-23928, Santa Cruz), washed twice with PBS1X-BSA 0.1% followed by a 45 min incubation with polyclonal fluorescein isothiocyanate-conjugated goat anti-mouse antibody provided with the Qifikit. Dead cells were excluded from the analysis using 4′,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) staining. Samples were analysed on a CyAn™ ADP Analyzer (Beckman Coulter). All mean fluorescence intensities (MFIs) were obtained after data analyses using Summit 4.3 software. These MFIs were used to determine the relative number of antibody binding sites on the cell lines (named as CEA copy number on the results) using the equation obtained from the calibration curve (Qifikit calibration beads).

The colorectal cancer cell lines used for the T-cell killing assays and CEA surface expression quantification were seeded from cryovials. The method used to maintain the frozen stock was as described in Bracht et al. (Bracht et al. (2010), Br J Cancer 103, 340-346).

Example 15

In Vivo Anti-Tumor Efficacy of CEA TCB in a LS174T-Fluc2 Human Colon Carcinoma Co-Grafted with Human PBMC (E:T Ratio 5:1)

NOG (NOD/Shi-scid/IL-2Rγnull) mice (n=12) were injected subcutaneously with 1×10⁶ LS174T-fluc2 cells pre-mixed with human PBMC in a total volume of 100 μl in PBS, E:T ratio 5:1. LS174T-fluc2 cells have been engineered to express luciferase, which allows monitoring tumor progression by bioluminescence (BLI) in a non-invasive and highly sensitive manner. To assess early and delayed treatment effects, mice received bi-weekly i.v. injections of either 0.5 or 2.5 mg/kg of the CEA TCB starting at day 1 (early treatment) or day 7 (delayed treatment) after tumor cell/PBMCs co-grafting s.c. As a control, one group of mice received bi-weekly i.v. injections of 2.5 mg/kg of a control TCB that had the same format as CEA TCB (in this case the MCSP TCB served as untargeted control since LS174T-fluc2 cells do not express MCSP), and an extra control group received only PBS (vehicle) starting at day 1. Tumor volume was measured once a week by digital caliper. Furthermore, mice were injected i.p. once weekly with D-Luciferin and the bioluminescent light emission of living tumor cells was measured with IVIS Spectrum (Perkin Elmer). Treatment was administered until 19 days after tumor cell inoculation, which corresponds to the day of study termination. The results of the experiment are shown in FIG. 18 A-D. Results show average and SEM from 12 mice of tumor volume measured by caliper (A and C) and by bioluminescence (Total Flux, B and D) in the different study groups ((A, B) early treatment, (C, D) delayed treatment).

Example 16

In Vivo Anti-Tumor Efficacy of CEA TCB in a LS174T-Fluc2 Human Colon Carcinoma Co-Grafted with Human PBMC (E:T Ratio 1:1)

NOG (NOD/Shi-scid/IL-2Rγnull) mice (n=10) were injected subcutaneously with 1×10⁶ LS174T-fluc2 cells (see Example 15) pre-mixed with human PBMC in a total volume of 100 μl in PBS, E:T ratio 1:1. To assess early and delayed treatment effects, mice received bi-weekly i.v. injections of 2.5 mg/kg of the CEA TCB starting at day 1 (early treatment) or day 7 (delayed treatment) after tumor cell inoculation. As control, one group of mice received bi-weekly i.v. injections of 2.5 mg/kg of the MCSP TCB (see also Example 15), and an extra control group received only PBS (vehicle) starting at day 1. Tumor volume was measured once weekly by digital caliper. Furthermore, mice were injected i.p. once weekly with D-Luciferin and the bioluminescent light emission of living tumor cells was measured with IVIS Spectrum (Perkin Elmer). Treatment was administered until 23 days after tumor cell inoculation, which corresponds to the day of study termination. The results of the experiment are shown in FIG. 19 . Results show average and SEM of tumor volume measured by caliper (A) as well as by bioluminescence (B) in the different study groups (n=10).

Example 17

In Vivo Efficacy of Murinized CEA TCB in a Panco2-huCEA Orthotopic Tumor Model in Immunocompetent huCD3ε/huCEA Transgenic Mice

huCD3ε/huCEA transgenic mice (n=10) received an intra-pancreatic injection of 2×10⁵ Panco2-huCEA cells in a total volume of 10 μl in PBS. As murine cells do not express CEA, the murine pancreatic carcinoma cell line Panco2 was engineered to overexpress human CEA as the target antigen for the CEA TCB. Mice were injected twice weekly i.v. with 0.5 mg/kg of the murinized CEA TCB or PBS as a control group (vehicle) and survival was monitored. Animals were controlled daily for clinical symptoms and detection of adverse effects. Termination criteria for animals were visible sickness: scruffy fur, arched back, breathing problems, impaired locomotion. The result as overall survival is shown in FIG. 20 . Result shows percent of surviving animals per time point. The significance of the treatment group to the PBS control group was compared using a paired Student t test (p=0.078).

Example 18

Affinity of the CEA TCB to CEA and CD3 by Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR)

Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) experiments were performed on a Biacore T100 at 25° C. with HBS-EP as running buffer (0.01 M HEPES pH 7.4, 0.15 M NaCl, 3 mM EDTA, 0.005% Surfactant P20, Biacore, Freiburg/Germany).

For affinity measurements CEA TCB was captured on a CM5 sensorchip surface with immobilized anti human Fab (GE Healthcare #28-9583-25). Capture IgG was coupled to the sensorchip surface by direct immobilization of around 10,000 resonance units (RU) at pH 5.0 using the standard amine coupling kit (Biacore, Freiburg/Germany).

To analyze the interaction to human CD3ε stalk-Fc (knob)-Avi/CD3δ-stalk-Fc(hole) (SEQ ID NOs 120 and 121, respectively), CEA TCB was captured for 30 s at 50 nM with 10 μl/min. CD3ε/CD3δ was passed at a concentration of 0.68-500 nM with a flowrate of 30 μl/min through the flow cells over 360 s. The dissociation was monitored for 360 s.

The K_(D) value of the interaction between CEA TCB and the recombinant tumor target antigen human NABA-avi-his (containing the B3 domain of human CEA (CEACAM5) surrounded by the N, A1 and A2 domain of human CEACAM1 with a C-terminal avi 6his tag; see SEQ ID NO: 119) was determined by capturing the TCB molecule for 40 s at 10 μl/min. The antigen was flown over the flow cell for 240 s in a concentration range from 0.68 to 500 nM at a flow rate of 30 μl/min. The dissociation was measured over 240 s.

Bulk refractive index differences were corrected for by subtracting the response obtained on a reference flow cell. Here, the antigens were flown over a surface with immobilized anti-human Fab antibody but on which HBS-EP has been injected rather than CEA.

Kinetic constants were derived using the Biacore T200 Evaluation Software (vAA, Biacore AB, Uppsala/Sweden), to fit rate equations for 1:1 Langmuir binding by numerical integration. The half-life (t_(1/2)) of the interaction was calculated using following formula: t_(1/2)=ln 2/k_(off).

The CEA TCB binds to the tumor target and CD3ε/CD3δ in the nM-range with K_(D) values of 62 nM for the human NABA and 75.3 nM for the human CD3ε/CD3δ. The half-life of the monovalent binding to NABA is 5.3 minutes, the half-life of the binding to CD3ε/CD3δ is 5.7 minutes. The kinetic values are summarized in Table 9.

TABLE 9 Affinity of CEA TCB to human NABA and human CD3ε/CD3δ (T = 25° C.). Antigen TCB k_(on) [1/Ms] k_(off) [1/s] t_(1/2) [min] K_(D) [nM] Human CEA TCB 3.49 × 10⁴ 2.18 × 10⁻³ 5.3 62.4 NABA Human CEA TCB 2.69 × 10⁴ 2.03 × 10⁻³ 5.7 75.3 CD3ε/ CD3δ

Example 19

Affinity of the MSCP TCB to MCSP and CD3 by Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR)

Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) experiments were performed on a Biacore T100 at 25° C. with HBS-EP as running buffer (0.01 M HEPES pH 7.4, 0.15 M NaCl, 3 mM EDTA, 0.005% Surfactant P20, Biacore, Freiburg/Germany).

For affinity measurements MCSP TCB was captured on a CM5 sensorchip surface with immobilized anti human Fab (GE Healthcare #28-9583-25). Capture IgG was coupled to the sensorchip surface by direct immobilization of around 7,500 resonance units (RU) at pH 5.0 using the standard amine coupling kit (Biacore, Freiburg/Germany). MCSP TCB was captured for 60 s at 30 nM with 10 μl/min. Human and cynomolgus MCSP D3 (see SEQ ID NOs 118 and 117, respectively) were passed at a concentration of 0.024-50 nM with a flowrate of 30 μl/min through the flow cells over 90 s. The concentration range for human and cynomolgus CD3ε stalk-Fc (knob)-Avi/CD3δ-stalk-Fc(hole) was 1.17-600 nM. Since the interaction with murine MCSP D3 (SEQ ID NO: 122) was expected to be weak the concentration range for this antigen was chosen between 3.9 and 500 nM. The dissociation for all interactions was monitored for 120 s. Bulk refractive index differences were corrected for by subtracting the response obtained on a reference flow cell. Here, the antigens were flown over a surface with immobilized anti-human Fab antibody but on which HBS-EP has been injected rather than MCSP TCB.

Kinetic constants were derived using the Biacore T200 Evaluation Software (vAA, Biacore AB, Uppsala/Sweden), to fit rate equations for 1:1 Langmuir binding by numerical integration. The interaction for the MCSP TCB with the murine MCSP D3 was determined in steady state. The half-life (t_(1/2)) of the interaction was calculated using following formula: t_(1/2)=ln 2/k_(off).

The MCSP TCB binds to the tumor target in pM-range with K_(D) values of 0.15 nM for the human and 0.12 nM for the cynomolgus antigen. Recombinant CD3ε/CD3δ is bound by the MCSP TCB with a K_(D) value of 78 nM (human) and 104 nM (cynomolgus). The half-life of the monovalent binding is up to 260 minutes for the tumor target and 2.9 minutes for the CD3e/CD3d. Upon affinity maturation the MCSP antibody obtained some binding to recombinant murine MCSP D3. K_(D) value for this interaction is in mM range (1.6 mM). The kinetic values are summarized in Table 10.

TABLE 10 Affinity of MCSP TCB to the human, cynomolgus and murine MCSP D3 and human and cynomolgus CD3ε/CD3δ (T = 25° C.). k_(on) [1/Ms] k_(off) [1/s] t_(1/2) [min] K_(D) [nM] Human MCSP D3 3.89 × 10⁵ 5.63 × 10−⁵ 205 0.15 Cynomolgus 3.70 × 10⁵ 4.39 × 10−⁵ 263 0.12 MCSP D3 Murine MCSP D3 nd nd nd 1570*    Human 4.99 × 10⁴ 3.92 × 10⁻³ 2.9 78.7  CD3ε/CD3δ Cynomolgus 4.61 × 10⁴ 4.78 × 10⁻³ 2.4 104    CD3ε/CD3δ *determined by steady state measurement

Example 20

Thermal Stability of CEA TCB

Thermal stability of the CEA TCB was monitored by Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS). 30 μg of filtered protein sample with a protein concentration of 0.5 mg/ml was applied in duplicate to a Dynapro plate reader (Wyatt Technology Corporation; USA). The temperature was ramped from 25 to 75° C. at 0.05° C./min, with the radius and total scattering intensity being collected.

The result is shown in FIG. 21 . The aggregation temperature of the CEA TCB was measured at 55° C.

Example 21

Thermal Stability of MCSP TCB

Thermal stability of the MCSP TCB was monitored by Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS). 30 μg of filtered protein sample with a protein concentration of 0.5 mg/ml was applied in duplicate to a Dynapro plate reader (Wyatt Technology Corporation; USA). The temperature was ramped from 25 to 75° C. at 0.05° C./min, with the radius and total scattering intensity being collected.

The result is shown in FIG. 22 . The aggregation temperature of the MCSP TCB was measured at 55° C.

Example 22

T Cell-Mediated Killing of MCSP-Expressing Tumor Target Cells Induced by MCSP TCB and MCSP 1+1 CrossMab Antibodies

T cell-mediated killing of target cells induced by MCSP TCB and MCSP 1+1 CrossMab TCB (a T cell activating bispecific antibody having the same CD3 and MCSP binding sequences as the MCSP TCB, with the molecular format shown in FIG. 1D) antibodies was assessed on A375 (high MCSP), MV-3 (medium MCSP) and HCT-116 (low MCSP) tumor target cells. LS180 (MCSP negative tumor cell line) was used as negative control. Tumor cell killing was assessed 24 h and 48 h post incubation of target cells with the antibodies and effector cells (human PBMCs). Briefly, target cells were harvested with Trypsin/EDTA, washed, and plated at density of 25 000 cells/well using flat-bottom 96-well plates. Cells were left to adhere overnight. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were prepared by Histopaque density centrifugation of enriched lymphocyte preparations (buffy coats) obtained from healthy human donors. Fresh blood was diluted with sterile PBS and layered over Histopaque gradient (Sigma, #H8889). After centrifugation (450×g, 30 minutes, room temperature), the plasma above the PBMC-containing interphase was discarded and PBMCs transferred in a new Falcon tube subsequently filled with 50 ml of PBS. The mixture was centrifuged (400×g, 10 minutes, room temperature), the supernatant discarded and the PBMC pellet washed twice with sterile PBS (centrifugation steps 350×g, 10 minutes). The resulting PBMC population was counted automatically (ViCell) and kept in RPMI1640 medium containing 10% FCS and 1% L-alanyl-L-glutamine (Biochrom, K0302) in cell incubator (37° C., 5% CO₂) until further use (no longer than 24 h). For the killing assay, the antibodies were added at indicated concentrations (range of 0.01 pM-10 nM in triplicates). PBMCs were added to target cells at the final E:T ratio of 10:1. Target cell killing was assessed after 24 h and 48 h of incubation by quantification of LDH (lactate dehydrogenase) released into cell supernatants by apoptotic/necrotic cells (LDH detection kit, Roche Applied Science, #11 644 793 001). Maximal lysis of the target cells (=100%) was achieved by incubation of target cells with 1% Triton X-100. Minimal lysis (=0%) refers to target cells co-incubated with effector cells without bispecific antibody. The results show that MCSP TCB antibody is more potent than the MCSP 1+1 CrossMab TCB as it induced stronger killing of MCSP-positive target cells at both time points and on all tumor target cells (FIG. 23 A-H). The EC₅₀ values related to killing assays, calculated using GraphPadPrism5, are given in Table 11.

TABLE 11 MCSP receptor copy number and EC₅₀ values (pM) for T- cell mediated killing of MCSP-expressing tumor cells induced by MCSP TCB antibody (n.d. = not determined). MCSP receptor EC50 [pM] EC50 [pM] Cell line copy number 24 h 48 h A375 387 058 0.1 n.d. MV-3 260 000 1.0 0.7 HCT-116   36770 ~6.2e−008 ~0.09 LS180 negative ~764 n.d.

Example 23

CD25 and CD69 Upregulation on CD8⁺ and CD4⁺ Effector Cells after T Cell-Mediated Killing of MCSP-Expressing Tumor Cells Induced by MCSP TCB and MCSP 1+1 CrossMab Antibodies

Activation of CD8⁺ and CD4⁺ T cells after T-cell killing of MCSP-expressing tumor cells (A375 and MV-3) mediated by the MCSP TCB and MCSP 1+1 CrossMab antibodies was assessed by FACS analysis using antibodies recognizing T cell activation markers CD25 (late activation marker) and CD69 (early activation marker). The antibody and the killing assay conditions were essentially as described above (Example 22), using the same antibody concentration range (0.01 pM-10 nM in triplicates), E:T ratio 10:1 and an incubation time of 48 h.

After the incubation, PBMCs were transferred to a round-bottom 96-well plate, centrifuged at 350×g for 5 min and washed twice with PBS containing 0.1% BSA. Surface staining for CD8 (FITC anti-human CD8, BD #555634), CD4 (PECy7 anti-human CD4, BD #557852), CD69 (PE anti-human CD69, Biolegend #310906) and CD25 (APC anti-human CD25, BD #555434) was performed according to the suppliers' indications. Cells were washed twice with 150 μl/well PBS containing 0.1% BSA and fixed for 15 min at 4° C. using 100 μl/well fixation buffer (BD #554655). After centrifugation, the samples were resuspended in 200 μl/well PBS 0.1% BSA containing DAPI to exclude dead cells for the FACS measurement. Samples were analyzed at BD FACS Fortessa. The results show that MCSP TCB induced a strong and target-specific upregulation of activation markers (CD25, CD69) on CD8⁺ T cells (FIG. 24 A, B (for A375 cells) and E, F (for MV-3 cells)) and CD4⁺ T cells (FIG. 24 C, D (for A375 cells) and G, H (for MV-3 cells)) after killing. As for the killing results, the activation of T cells was stronger with MCSP TCB than with MCSP 1+1 CrossMab.

Example 24

Preparation of DP47 GS TCB (2+1 Crossfab-IgG P329G LALA Inverted=“Untargeted TCB”) Containing DP47 GS as Non Binding Antibody and Humanized CH2527 as Anti CD3 Antibody

The “untargeted TCB” was used as a control in the above experiments. The bispecific antibody engages CD3ε but does not bind to any other antigen and therefore cannot crosslink T cells to any target cells (and subsequently cannot induce any killing). It was therefore used as negative control in the assays to monitor any unspecific T cell activation.

The variable region of heavy and light chain DNA sequences were subcloned in frame with either the constant heavy chain or the constant light chain pre-inserted into the respective recipient mammalian expression vector. The antibody expression is driven by an MPSV promoter and carries a synthetic polyA signal sequence at the 3′ end of the CDS. In addition each vector contains an EBV OriP sequence.

The molecule was produced by co-transfecting HEK293 EBNA cells with the mammalian expression vectors using polyethylenimine (PEI). The cells were transfected with the corresponding expression vectors in a 1:2:1:1 ratio (“vector heavy chain Fc(hole)”: “vector light chain”: “vector light chain Crossfab”: “vector heavy chain Fc(knob)-FabCrossfab”).

For transfection HEK293 EBNA cells were cultivated in suspension serum-free in CD CHO culture medium. For the production in 500 ml shake flask 400 million HEK293 EBNA cells were seeded 24 hours before transfection. For transfection cells were centrifuged for 5 min at 210×g, supernatant is replaced by pre-warmed 20 ml CD CHO medium. Expression vectors were mixed in 20 ml CD CHO medium to a final amount of 200 μg DNA. After addition of 540 μl PEI solution the mixture was vortexed for 15 s and subsequently incubated for 10 min at room temperature. Afterwards cells were mixed with the DNA/PEI solution, transferred to a 500 ml shake flask and incubated for 3 hours at 37° C. in an incubator with a 5% CO₂ atmosphere. After the incubation time 160 ml F17 medium was added and cell were cultivated for 24 hours. One day after transfection 1 mM valproic acid and 7% Feed 1 (Lonza) was added. After 7 days cultivation supernatant was collected for purification by centrifugation for 15 min at 210×g, the solution was sterile filtered (0.22 μm filter) and sodium azide in a final concentration of 0.01% w/v was added, and kept at 4° C.

The secreted protein was purified from cell culture supernatants by affinity chromatography using Protein A. Supernatant was loaded on a HiTrap Protein A HP column (CV=5 mL, GE Healthcare) equilibrated with 40 ml 20 mM sodium phosphate, 20 mM sodium citrate, 0.5 M sodium chloride, pH 7.5. Unbound protein was removed by washing with at least 10 column volumes 20 mM sodium phosphate, 20 mM sodium citrate, 0.5 M sodium chloride, pH 7.5. Target protein was eluted during a gradient over 20 column volumes from 20 mM sodium citrate, 0.5 M sodium chloride, pH 7.5 to 20 mM sodium citrate, 0.5 M sodium chloride, pH 2.5. Protein solution was neutralized by adding 1/10 of 0.5 M sodium phosphate, pH 8. Target protein was concentrated and filtrated prior loading on a HiLoad Superdex 200 column (GE Healthcare) equilibrated with 20 mM histidine, 140 mM sodium chloride solution of pH 6.0.

The protein concentration of purified protein samples was determined by measuring the optical density (OD) at 280 nm, using the molar extinction coefficient calculated on the basis of the amino acid sequence.

Purity and molecular weight of molecules were analyzed by CE-SDS analyses in the presence and absence of a reducing agent. The Caliper LabChip GXII system (Caliper lifescience) was used according to the manufacturer's instruction. 2 μg sample was used for analyses.

The aggregate content of antibody samples was analyzed using a TSKgel G3000 SW XL analytical size-exclusion column (Tosoh) in 25 mM K₂HPO₄, 125 mM NaCl, 200 mM L-arginine monohydrochloride, 0.02% (w/v) NaN₃, pH 6.7 running buffer at 25° C.

TABLE 12 Summary production and purification of DP47 GS TCB. Aggregate after 1^(st) Titer Yield purification HMW LMW Monomer Construct [mg/l] [mg/l] step [%] [%] [%] [%] DP47 GS TCB 103.7 8.04 8 2.3 6.9 91.8

FIG. 25 and Table 13 show CE-SDS analyses of the DP47 GS TCB (2+1 Crossfab-IgG P329G LALA inverted) containing DP47 GS as non-binding antibody and humanized CH2527 as anti-CD3 antibody. (SEQ ID NOs: 59, 60, 61 and 62).

TABLE 13 CE-SDS analyses of DP47 GS TCB. Peak kDa Corresponding Chain DP47 GS TCB non reduced (A) 1 165.22 Molecule with 2 missing light chains 2 181.35 Molecule with 1 missing light chain 3 190.58 Correct molecule without N-linked glycosylation 4 198.98 Correct molecule DP47 GS TCB reduced (B) 1 27.86 Light chain DP47 GS 2 35.74 Light chain huCH2527 3 63.57 Fc(hole) 4 93.02 Fc(knob)

Although the foregoing invention has been described in some detail by way of illustration and example for purposes of clarity of understanding, the descriptions and examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention. The disclosures of all patent and scientific literature cited herein are expressly incorporated in their entirety by reference. 

1. A T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule comprising (i) a first antigen binding moiety which is a Fab molecule capable of specific binding to CD3, comprising at least one heavy chain complementarity determining region (CDR) selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 4, SEQ ID NO: 5 and SEQ ID NO: 6 and at least one light chain CDR selected from the group of SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO: 9 and SEQ ID NO: 10; (ii) a second antigen binding moiety which is a Fab molecule capable of specific binding to a target cell antigen.
 2. The T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule of claim 1, wherein the first antigen binding moiety comprises a heavy chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence that is at least about 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to an amino acid sequence selected from the group of: SEQ ID NO: 3, SEQ ID NO: 32 and SEQ ID NO: 33 and a light chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence that is at least about 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence selected from the group of: SEQ ID NO: 7 and SEQ ID NO:
 31. 3. The T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule of claim 1, wherein the first antigen binding moiety comprises a heavy chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence that is at least about 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 3 and a light chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence that is at least about 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:
 7. 4-9. (canceled)
 10. The T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule of claim 1, wherein the first antigen binding moiety is a crossover Fab molecule wherein either the variable or the constant regions of the Fab light chain and the Fab heavy chain are exchanged.
 11. The T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule of claim 10, wherein the first antigen binding moiety is a crossover Fab molecule wherein the constant regions of the Fab light chain and the Fab heavy chain are exchanged.
 12. The T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule of claim 1, wherein the second antigen binding moiety is a conventional Fab molecule.
 13. The T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule of claim 1, comprising not more than one antigen binding moiety capable of specific binding to CD3.
 14. The T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule of claim 1, comprising a third antigen binding moiety which is a Fab molecule capable of specific binding to a target cell antigen.
 15. (canceled)
 16. The T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule of claim 14, wherein the third antigen binding moiety is identical to the second antigen binding moiety. 17-18. (canceled)
 19. The T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule of claim 1, wherein the first and the second antigen binding moiety are fused to each other, optionally via a peptide linker. 20-22. (canceled)
 23. The T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule of claim 1, additionally comprising (iii) an Fc domain composed of a first and a second subunit capable of stable association. 24-26. (canceled)
 27. The T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule of claim 23, wherein a third antigen binding moiety is fused at the C-terminus of the Fab heavy chain to the N-terminus of the first or second subunit of the Fc domain. 28-35. (canceled)
 36. The T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule of claim 23, wherein the Fc domain is an IgG, specifically an IgG₁ or IgG₄, Fc domain.
 37. (canceled)
 38. The T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule of claim 23, wherein the Fc domain comprises a modification promoting the association of the first and the second subunit of the Fc domain. 39-45. (canceled)
 46. An isolated polynucleotide encoding the T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule of claim 1 or a fragment thereof. 47-49. (canceled)
 50. A vector, particularly an expression vector, comprising the polynucleotide of claim
 46. 51. A host cell comprising the vector of claim
 50. 52. A method of producing the T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule capable of specific binding to CD3 and a target cell antigen, comprising the steps of a) culturing the host cell of claim 51 under conditions suitable for the expression of the T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule and b) recovering the T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule.
 53. A T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule produced by the method of claim
 52. 54. A pharmaceutical composition comprising the T cell activating bispecific antigen binding molecule of claim 1 and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. 55-79. (canceled) 